Noise sensitivity

[maureen103]

Hi, my noise sensitivity is getting worse. I often have to leave a room when several people are talking at once or there is a background noise of some sort. I watched Astrid , murder in Paris and she wore headphones to block out some of this noise. I think at 75 I would look a little ridiculous with big headphones on although she looked good with them. Have any of you found some more discreet headphones, or something else that works? It is becoming a little difficult at times. Thank you in advance for any replies.

[MimiSpree]

I wasn't sure if noise sensitivity and light sensitivity had something to do with my tumor or brain injury. I guess the coincidental timing gave it away, but I am in such denial of how much the tumor and surgeries have impacted me.

I do know that noise sensitivity makes shopping in noisy markets unbearable and I no longer go to dinner parties, let alone a real party anymore. It can be such a leading driver towards isolation.

[Painting-girl]

Hi Maureen, I still have trouble with noise sensitivity - really hard to concentrate of there's background noise. So weird considering I used to play music all the time. Now if I go to a noisy cafe, I can stay, but notice that my batteries drain faster than in a quiet environment

Noise cancelling earphones might work for you?

[paxo05]

Hi

Not sure if it's noise overload or sensitivity you mean or are they the same thing?

Personally it's more of not being able to filter what I'm trying to listen to. Like in a cafe and talking with friends but then joining in with a neighbouring tables conversation. Yep it can get a little embarrassing at times.

Also whilst out in shopping centres the noise can get unbearable. I sometimes use ear plugs . The foam ones that muffle rather than block the sound. I don't wear them whilst on the street as I find them unsafe.

Try the earplugs , less obvious than headphones.

Hope it works

Pax

[Jonty77]

I’ve been trying ear plugs called calmer made by a company called flare. They don’t block out the sound but claim to reduce distortion in certain frequencies in an attempt to reduce stress. It’s a bit early to say but I do think they help in certain situations. Anyway, have a look at their website and read their blurb.

[Beachlovingkiwi]

I have just purchased some ear plug type things from flare - tested out Xmas day and definitely made a difference - less overload and tiredness

Ear plug

[Beachlovingkiwi]

another pic

Ear calm

[FMWB]

Hi Maureen103

I have a similar issue whereby I get overstimulated and whelmed by noise and can’t filter out the unwanted dross from what I want to hear and that leads to attention issues, missing things, feeling isolated, and fatigue.

I use Bose quietcomfort noise cancelling ear buds. Bose claim they are the best on the market. And they have helped me alot. They are directional, in that they will reduce the noise to the side and behind you, but not in front - so you can have a conversation. The amount of noise cancelling is adjustable. Note they don’t reduce noise to silence.

They have a new version out. The older versions battery life is 6 ish hours and they don’t take v long to recharge. I believe they come in black or a cream colour.

I wear them a lot and especially in cafes and restaurants: however I do ensure that the table is near a wall or corner and then I face the wall or corner, as this maximises the impact.

I also wear them in the car as it reduces the background tyre roar, engine noise etc .. and when I go to the gym, when cutting the grass (with ear defenders over the top), when I’m out or it’s noisy. Ie I wear them alot.

If you wear them outside and it’s windy you do get wind-noise which I hope they have sorted on the new version.

They will link to your phone via Bluetooth and play music, etc should you wish while also noise cancelling.

Wearing these has really helped me no end. Who cares what you look like, if they work, and help.

Good luck

FMWB

Ps I’m aware this might sound like a sales pitch for Bose - it’s not and I am not associated with Bose at all. They have had a hugely positive impact on my life.

[Crazychickangel]

I am super light about noise sensitive. My brain infection left me with eplisey and noise plays a big part of my seizure triggers although lights the main thing , so I have to wear noise cancelling headphones if out. Mine are big ones but I have been told the apple in ear ones are good. I just prefer over the ear ones. I prob look ridiculous but along with my sunglasses on in the dark I don't care aslong as I feel better.

[maureen103]

I did reply individually to these posts but I must have done something wrong because they don't appear to be here. Thank you all for your comments and suggestions . I have ordered some of the Flare calmer earplugs to give them a go. I will let you know if they work for me. Thanks again

[Catx1978]

I'm struggling with the same thing. I can't handle noises, can't handle busy environments and more than one conversation at a time now. The alarm when if in our house the other day and the noise level actually triggered some of my non epileptic attacks. I want to get some noise reducing ear plugs to see if they help

[maureen103 in reply to Catx1978]

I have epilepsy now as the result of my bleed and it does cause me stress that the noise bouncing around in my head will cause a seizure but happily so far that hasn't happened.

[Catx1978 in reply to maureen103]

I do have epilepsy which the medication is controlling but the non epileptic attacks can be caused by any emotion, as stress and tiredness but I noticed that the loud shrieking noise of an alarm triggered a fee of them. People talking constantly also trigger them as it over stimulates me

[TheGnome1960]

hello Maureen. I'd highly recommend the Flare Audio Calmer earplugs. They are not actual 'plugs' but a tuned in ear unit which Reduces noise related stress & sensory overwhelm - without isolating you from sounds you want to hear. They are very helpful for those with: sensitive hearing, hyper-sensitivity to sound associated with autism, hyperacusis, misophonia, noise related stress & other hearing conditions. And are perfect for, Parenting, Travelling, Working, Studying, Focussing, or anywhere you'd like a calmer environment.

What does Calmer do? It's a clever gadget that reduces stressful frequencies without muffling sound. it soothes sound sensitivities & helps you feel calmer.

They are Comfortable soft-touch silicone. Washable & reusable. And are Tested by the ISVR: University of Southampton. And are only £14.99.

See here: flareaudio.com/products/calmer

I hope this is helpful to you and anyone else reading this. They definitely do work!

Good luck. Colin.

[maureen103 in reply to TheGnome1960]

Thanks for your message. I have ordered some now so hopefully my problems will abate even if not fully go away.

[Nackapan in reply to maureen103]

Really hope they work for you.I found paper noise of unwrapping presents awful .

Sets off tinnitus.

Also get otter glare. Really irritates my brain.

Close striors abd patterns thr worst .

Don't have sny 'normal lighting sti in the house.

Up lighters with very Los wattage in thr corners of the room work.

Ear muffs worn out help too.

A hat with a good brim snd dark glasses good also.

[TheGnome1960 in reply to maureen103]

Hello Maureen. I hope they work for you?

Take care, eh?

Colin.

[maureen103 in reply to TheGnome1960]

Hi Gnome, they have just arrived (superfast delivery) so I will give them a test run in church tomorrow. How much do you bet that there is no loud chatter etc lol

[TheGnome1960 in reply to maureen103]

I hope they work for you Maureen. I'll think of you and hope for you tomorrow, fingers crossed etc. Let us all know on here if they do anything for you. Take care and Happy New Year! X

[maureen103 in reply to maureen103]

Hi Gnome and others, I wore them in church this morning but to be truthful I couldn't tell much difference. There wasn't the background noise there anyway so maybe not a good test. i will say that I could hear the talking and singing perfectly so they hadn't blocked any of that out. I will continue to try them and let you know when I have made a definate conclusion. My problems are not there all the time or in all situations so time will tell. Happy new year to you all

[Percylovesbees in reply to TheGnome1960]

I have ordered some today with a carry case thing in bright red so it stands out! Thank you for sharing these. I currently use loop earplugs which are also very good for me and have a carry case etc. I can just about cope in a shopping precinct or supermarket with these. Not for long and not problem free but they help me so much.

Thank you TheGnome1960. Great name btw!

[TheGnome1960 in reply to Percylovesbees]

Hello Percylovesbees. Fair play, I really hope they are good for you and help? Thanks re the name, appreciated.

Colin.

[PurpleHal]

I think for me it’s something to do with how tired I am, if I’ve been out and about all day and then say pop into a local supermarket then the music is overwhelming and I just can’t think clearly. Maybe some in ear noise cancelling headphones could be the answer. I’m guessing they aren’t cheap but would be discreet and of course they can be used for listening to music etc.

[Notts22]

Hello Maureen, noise sensitivity is a big problem. I can't concentrate on a conversation when there is background noise.I have to get out the room or my arms start to go over my head as a form of protection. I thought I was the only one effected like this.

Having read some of the other replies I will look at ear plugs

This shows how good this site is, it's very helpful

I hope you resolve you noise sensitivity problem, take care

[Percylovesbees]

It's so strange isn't it? I get noise overload and can't pick out individual voices when more than one person is talking. It's a real invisible disability isn't it?

I'm sorry if I'm not allowed to do this but I'll go ahead - I found loop earplugs excellent. They give me a buffer from the world that gives me space to hear what I need to hear and also to hone in on whoever is talking. I don't know how but I don't really care how (!) but they have been a real Godsend to me. I'll put a link here but with a disclaimer 😄

I have found these little things invaluable and I'm so glad I've found them. They have a carry case and are so simple but so good (for me and for others but maybe not for you)

The link that got me there was as follows:

loopearplugs.com/collection...

I do hope I haven't broken rules by sharing this. I really rate them tho. I was a secretary and a multitasker before this BI. I get overwhelmed by noise and cannot think straight. I have to leave the room when there's people talking and I cannot for the life of me focus or join in. These take the edge off all that and, like I said, may not be for anyone else but have helped me. I'm sure other earplugs exist that help but these little things are good.

Sending you my love and prayers. Hoping this helps you.

xxx

[Oppo24]

I can fully relate as I too now find a lot of noise ie multiple conversations, fast/loud talking, raucous background music etc very stressful and overwhelming so I can't think straight. As a long time music lover I often wear headphones, different ones for different purposes.

When out my favourites are B&O BeoPlay (bluetooth) which magnetically clip together around your neck when not in use and can then be quickly popped in your ears when needed. Very discreet and not so easily lost as individual ear pieces and effectively block external noise. Also easily fit in a pocket or bag when not needed. And sound quality is of course superb!

[Tortie14]

when I had noise sensitivity I used Pluggertz travel earplugs designed to block background noise in airplanes. I used the childrens size because I have narrow ear canals. I never went anywhere without them. It made travel on the underground bearable, although dealing with noise sensitivity is tiring. They are less noticeable than overeat noise cancelling headphones.

If I’m going to a restaurant I still ask for a quiet table by a wall and not surrounded by other diners. So I can enjoy being with friends otherwise it’s just a trial of endurance.

[maureen103 in reply to Tortie14]

Hi Tortie, has your noise sensitivity gone for the most part now? Did it just lessen and go or just suddenly wasn't there. I live in hope that mine goes. It wasn't so bad to start with but now seems to be increasing. I had my SAH in March 2016 so it was a bit of a shock when it became more of a problem.

[Tortie14]

I had a moderate head injury and persistent concussion syndrome after a fall. My healing was slow and patience was essential. My noise sensitivity gradually improved and now I am left with a higher noise sensitivity than most people but I am very grateful for my recovery. I still avoid noisy and busy places or situations or limit the time. I was told that 2 years was likely recovery time but my experience was I improved slowly well after 2 years so I say never give up hope while accepting your current experience. I wish you well.

[ftt1960]

Hi Maureen, I have similar issues. My autistc grandson wears ear defenders in busy places but I’m not sure that’s the answer for adults. I have seen something on Faceebook that I’m quite interested in but can’t remember what they are called. I will take note next time I see them and let you know. My tinnitus is also worse since the TBI but I have no idea, other than listening to white noise, what I can do.

[maureen103 in reply to ftt1960]

I have bought the earplugs from Flare that some people say work for them. I haven't tried them enough to decide whether they work for me yet but fingers crossed

[ftt1960]

I know the ones you’ve mentioned. The ones I’ve see are like ear buds with an attached ring. Had a look on FB but couldn’t find them.

[ftt1960]

The name of the noise reduction ear buds I have seen and considered are called Loop. They fit inside your ears with loops of a chosen colour sitting in your ear. You would look rather trendy.

[maureen103]

They could well be worth a try if these flats ones don't do the job. Thanks