Sensory Overload In Involuntary Situations

[Thizette]

At work today one of my managers was testing the sound system for tonight (Karaoke night, huzzah I don't work), and it was super loud, and the regular jukebox music was still on, and the fans were humming, and the people were chatting, and the plates were clanking, and I thought my head was going to explode. At one point I yelled "IT'S TOO LOUD" towards the stage. Everyone stops to stare at me. I have a pained expression on my face. They don't get it actually hurts me. It actually hurts. And suddenly I'm just some whiny weirdo who doesn't like music.

Normally I would just leave, but I can't do that because it's my job. During the spaces between customers, I would step outside to get some measure of quiet, and I figure that's ok because I can see if people come in. I just don't know how to deal with this at work when I work in a place that is already loud. At home I put in ear plugs, but I can't do that when my job requires me to talk to people. Anyone else with auditory sensitivity have advice for working in loud places?

 

[hodge]

I don't know if I have any advice, as I haven't worked in a loud place. Just saw this and went, omg, I just went through this today for only a few minutes at my clinic of all places while scheduling my next appointment. Construction noise outside, inside copier noise, people talking to each other over the noise of the copier machine, people on the phone talking . . . I about went out of my mind and was sooo relieved to get out of there.

I sure hope others can offer some advice for you.

 

[Thizette]

I don't know if I have any advice, as I haven't worked in a loud place. Just saw this and went, omg, I jus...

It feels good to know I'm not alone, at any rate. I normally have problems with just the jukebox and the fans.

 

[hodge]

I only replied because I was hoping that even though I didn't have any advice, it might help to know you're not alone. This affects me severely. I get disoriented, dizzy and finally nauseous if I'm around too much stimuli for too long.

Maybe ask your psychiatrist about this if you see one? If not, I would think this would be a really good reason to see one.

 

[Friday]

These. http://www.surefire.com/tactical-equipment/earpro-products.html. $15

Or These http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/hearos-high-fidelity-ear-plugs?cntry=us&source=3WWRWXGP&gclid=CITLmv63ws0CFZRlfgodcI4G9Q&kwid=productads-adid^92666429307-device^t-plaid^142912771221-sku^421214000000000@ADL4MF-adType^PLA $10

Both keep sound crystal clear, but they remove the part of the register where BOOM & BANG & SQUEEEEEAL happen. Lowers the decibels. So it's like turning down the volume on the world, instead of mumble mumble muffling it. It's how musicians and shooters keep from going deaf, but are still able to have conversations and hear all the notes.

I strongly prefer the tactical ones... They work better IMO, and in addition have an added flange in some models that you can plug in for "real" earplug sound deadening. So when I need to hear what people are saying? Leave the flange open. When I don't? Want a total sound break? Flange in.

 

[Thizette]

These. http://www.surefire.com/tactical-equipment/earpro-products.html. $15

Or These [U...

Thank you thank you thank you

 

[Noxyoursox]

@FridayJones Oh my goodness, I need these so much! :O I get exactly the same problem, especially if there is more than one loud noise happening at the same time!