Yuletide Transforms Into a Living Hell for Individuals Living with Sound Sensitivity.

One young woman is looking forward to being with her family during the festive period, but admits one of the only ways she'll manage to get through it is by wearing her hearing protection - particularly at the main festive feast.

In her case, this time of year can be a notably tough period as the noises of family members munching, sipping loudly and breathing heavily trigger extremely uncomfortable.

"I experience this feeling of immediate anxiety, my whole body will just tighten and it seems as if I'm in a threatening situation, and I need to stop these noises."

She has suffered from this condition for several years and for her that renders the festive season "deeply taxing".

Misophonia is a reduced tolerance to particular auditory triggers, particularly those coming from those around you.

The condition is widespread in the UK. A study reported nearly 20% people are affected by it.

Often it's noises associated with bodily functions that lead to discomfort, as well as things like crunching, breathing, and foot tapping.

'Anxiety Inducing'

Lottie says: "You encounter so many different triggering sounds at the holidays and that can be stressful and make you want to avoid it.

"My family are supportive, but I'm very mindful that I don't want to upset others. It's like a really big battle of sacrificing my own sanity to guarantee others enjoy themselves."

So it's clear why the supposedly joyous season can transform into a source of agony for those with the condition.

Noises that may be considered normal, like someone sipping a beverage, unwrapping gifts, or eating the holiday meal can provoke a visceral feeling that can even lead to them skipping events entirely.

She, a university student, who has dealt with misophonia since aged 10, states currently her plan is to put her earphones in to cope. Typically, she would frequently go in a separate space to minimize distressing triggers.

She explains her condition is worse around people she's closest to, so Christmas is always "challenging".

"There's an expectation to spend time with family, and I desire to, but it's exhausting on all levels.

"It's like this intense irritation takes hold, which can feel awkward, or I'll feel anxious and burst into tears and then panic will take over.

"To others it appears as if I'm being difficult and dramatic, but it's tough to describe without firsthand experience."

Several Strategies to Handle It

For those affected then there are some different techniques you can use to handle the situation, according to specialists.

1. Visualise a Different Scenario: Creative thinking is key. Try to associate the specific noise causing distress with a neutral concept. For instance, try to picture someone's slurping is just a waterfall. By doing this is to retrain your mind that the sound triggering you isn't harmful.
2. Try a Competition: Use lightheartedness and turn the annoying sound into a game involving the source. As an example, if someone is eating noisily try copying the noise. By mimicking, rather than feeling like the sound is unwanted, you become an willing part. And the game aspect should help redirect your focus and make you a little less affected.
3. Create a Scenario: A further strategy is to try to create a little story about why the person creating the sound is doing it. So if someone was sniffing, perhaps they're not in good health or could be emotional. By doing this is re-framing the context of the sound. Even though the noise doesn't change, your understanding of it moves from being annoying, to feeling a little more neutral about it.