Why do some people dislike quiet so much?

I've learnt to love loud silences, the sense of vastness that goes on forever, that I'm a tiny dot in a massive universe, silence gives me a sense of spaciousness both mental and physical, I fully relax and unwind and let my mind travel where it will.

I like the fridge/freezer comment. That's one of the noises I often hear which takes me a while to identify.

This is me too! Even in nature, it's so hard not to hear roads. I was watching the winterwatch cameras today and could hear the cars on the road. 

The house is so noisy, the light above the oven is so loud, I always breathe a sigh of relief when I turn it off. We have a noisy filter on the fish tank too, though sometimes I can sit by it and close my eyes. Quiet would be bliss!

I understand what you mean about things humming, the lamp above the sofa whines and I hate it, but it's my mums lamp and there's a pair of them and she likes them, luckily I can't hear it so much over the telly.

Our fridge freezer moo's, the first time I heard it I though a cow had escaped or something, but it's the fridge!

I like quiet when I can hear nature. I don't understand people walking in places where this is possible with headphones. However when I am at home, especially at night I sometimes like music in the background, because otherwise I hear hums, creaks etc. for which I am then trying to trace the source. 

WE were all silent and there wasn't the tech to make noise back then, it would have been a bit pointless if people did have tech on that would disturb others. 

We didn't communicate in writing either, there might be a quiet verbal request to pass something down the dinner table as that is quieter than the elaborate gestures that some tried.

I guess most of the people attending were NT, I don't know Autism wasn't such a big thing then, but some had problems and others didn't, some tottally freaked out projecting all kinds of stuff onto others, we did have a little conversation, but the point was to get to know people without talking and making all the judgements that come with it. If you only have visual clues to go on about who someone is and what they're like then the vibes they give off are really important, it's like you get to know the person inside out, seeing the inner being before knowing anything about their worldly circumstances.

TheCatWoman said:

I'd go on silent retreats and be with other people and none of us talking,

I take it that this means that the people attending were silent and didn't use any technology that made noise? Could you hear the sounds of nature? Did you communicate with others by writing?

I like quiet but sometimes if I'm in my living room and cannot hear any noise at all - no wind, rain, birds etc, it seems too quiet and I'll want some classical music on low. I've also got used to having a fan on in the bedroom when I go to bed, and find it difficult to get to sleep without that background white noise.

Most people are NT, which means that their brains can filter out data which isn't important to them, so they can't really hear the background stuff that overwhelms an autistic person and it doesn't bother them. Also, I read that NT people get a hit of feel good chemicals in the brain when they see human faces (a theory as to one reason they like socialising so much) So perhaps they get a similar reward from hearing human voices?

I love silence, or rather the absense of tv's radios, human voices etc, I like the sounds of nature, one of my favourite silences is on a really frosty night in the countryside and all you can see are stars and it's so cold theres an almost ringing sound like the afternote of a bell, but often others can't hear it.

Silence is a double edged sword with me. On one hand I can find some comfort in it. Just being sat alone in silence with vague background noise settles me and allows me to think straight/gather my thoughts. But then it also depends on what my thoughts are and where my mind drifts during those quiet times. It can send me to a pretty dark place sometimes.

Really busy confined spaces with lots of background noise sends my head into a spin. Especially when it involves loads of talking between different people. It ends up one massive hurricane of confusion in my head. Or the times where I might be caught in a space where a few friends are talking among eachother. Its usually harmless, superficial stuff and they are laughing and joking with eachother, but it makes me squirm and pray for the silence again

Tinnitus.

I find silence so loud. I cannot explain why. I have always been like that. Even when ill I need some background noise of the tv and will not take to my bed but lay on the sofa.

I do not like loud noisy places especially the chatter of a lot of human voices. The noise of a tv cuts through.

I cannot explain it I am autistic and have always felt this way.

I find that music (that reflects my mood at the time) on noise cancelling headphones acts as a layer of “snow” to cover the irritating noise of life. Sometimes we have no control over the noise that’s being made around us, like on public transport, so the music on headphones thing allows me to regain some control.

I like quiet best. But I also like playing music or having an audio book playing, but it’s on my terms. I love it when it’s quiet but you can hear nature outside, such as wind or rain or birds. 

But I hear myself whether it's silent or not. So I really don't think this is the reason I dislike silence.

 you have to give yourself some better advice sometimes you’re ID and your EGO were not made to be friends 

SunshineDrive said:

I have the best conversations with myself

It is when you start to argue with yourself that you know it is time to see the therapist again...

I have the best conversations with myself 

Expecto_Patronum said:

I don't enjoy listening to myself. My inner thoughts don't stop ever.

I think this is the reason many people don't like silence - they end up hearing theselves and don't like what they hear.

Humanoids love their TV, and Radio, too much. Every Monday Morning, at the Benefits Office, had Magic Radio on; the 'Feel Good' embodiment of Big Brother Britain.

As for Dentist appointments, the TV is on at the waiting room. Usually when 'This Morning' is on; reminding us that we're a Nation of Consumers.

We were sent to the Top of the Mountain, and were pushed.

I don't think that need is anymore important than someone who likes silence. It is just a difficult balance to strike when people are so different in their needs.

I cant explain why I dislike silence so much. It certainly isn't because I'm afraid I'd have to listen to myself - background noise doesn't prevent that. I wish it did. I don't enjoy listening to myself. My inner thoughts don't stop ever. I do find that my concentration is better with background noise. So many recommend quiet for concentration but I find quite the opposite.

I find silence extremely uncomfortable though. I don't like it all. I always have the tv or something on even if I'm not watching it. I think it may just be a sensory need. I do also have ADHD and I also wonder whether it may be fulfilling my brains need for stimulation.