Published on 12, July, 2020
How do you cope with noise, not just loud noises but just noise in general like traffic, dogs barking or one that really sends me in to sensory overload is the sound of pen and pencil on paper. At school I hear that every day when I'm there. I'm in sixth form now and dreading that after summer. I did try ear plugs but found I couldn't focus as well because all I could feel was them in my ears and it distracted me and made me feel uneasy.
It's not just school. I hear dogs bark. Buses make that ssss sound when they stop. And people out are just extremely loud and seem to be in a constant shouting match.
Why can't the world be quieter?
I wish I knew the answer to that question as I am extremely noise sensitive too.
Dog barking is the one that's causing me major issues currently, the high pitched yapping from the smaller terrier dogs I find unbearable. I have posted on here about it recently and you may find a solution that works for you in one of those discussions.
Dreading a noise is something I can relate to. I experience a fear of the noise as well as a sensory overload from it.
Like you I do not like the physical sensation of having something in my ear. I can only tolerate them for short periods of time. The other problem I have with the solutions I have tried so far is that they seem to amplify my own internal body sensations. I then get further sensory overload from the sound of my own heart pounding and the blood rushing inside my head.
You could try wearing ear defenders. I find I can tolerate these when sat down. However if I try to walk while wearing them I do not like the sensation. It feels as if every footstep reverberates throughout my whole body.
The other over ear option is noise cancelling headphones. I have a fairly cheap pair that have some effect, but do not block out the noise anywhere near as much I would like. I think to get decent noise cancelling it is necessary to spend more, the better ones seem to cost upwards of £200. I am currently researching options as it is a lot to spend and I want to make sure I make the right choice.
Wearing either of the above may cause you an issue when you are in college lessons and need to hear what the teacher is saying. There are some solutions which still allow you to hear sounds but dampened down, such as Loop and Flare. However both of those are in ear.
It sounds like we experience this the same. I'm sorry for you, it's horrible isn't it.
I've looked at noise cancelling headphones and they are so expensive but the cheap ones have bad reviews. Thing is my step mum doesn't believe in asd and she'll never buy them for me. I'll have to wait and save up to get some.
The other thing is I'm not sure I'd be allowed to wear over head ones in class as well. I might speak to my teachers and see what they say.
Thanks for replying I appreciate it :)