Christmas Often Proves to Be a Living Hell for Individuals Living with Sound Sensitivity.

Lottie anticipates seeing her loved ones during the festive period, but admits one of the only ways she'll cope is by relying on her earplugs - particularly at the main festive feast.

In her case, this time of year is a notably tough season as the auditory triggers of other people chewing, drinking noisily and nose-blowing cause her profound anxiety.

"I experience this sensation of sudden panic, my entire being will just tighten and it seems as if I'm in peril, and I need to somehow control these triggers."

Lottie has suffered from this condition for several years and for her that renders the Christmas time "incredibly overwhelming".

Misophonia is an intense sensitivity to particular auditory triggers, notably sounds coming from individuals.

It's surprisingly common across the population. Researchers discovered a significant portion of people are affected by it.

Often it's sounds linked to mouth, throat or facial movements that lead to discomfort, along with examples such as chewing, breathing, and repetitive finger tapping.

Triggering Stress

The sufferer notes: "You encounter so many assorted problematic noises at the holidays and that can be anxiety inducing and make you want to avoid it.

"My family are understanding, but I'm very mindful that I don't want to make other people feel uncomfortable. It's like a really big battle of sacrificing my own sanity to make sure everyone else is happy."

So it's clear why the traditionally happy time of the year can rapidly become a living nightmare for affected individuals.

Sounds that may seem harmless, like someone slurping a Buck's fizz, opening presents, or tucking into a Christmas dinner can provoke a powerful reaction that can even result in them skipping events entirely.

She, a university student, who has struggled with sound sensitivity since aged 10, says the approach she intends to use is to put her earphones in to manage the meal. Typically, she would frequently go in a different room to escape problematic noises.

She explains her sensitivity is more pronounced around people she's most comfortable with, so the holidays is always "challenging".

"There is pressure to be around family, and I wish to, but it's physically and mentally challenging.

"I feel as if this sudden rage takes hold, which can feel embarrassing, or I'll feel anxious and burst into tears and then panic will activate.

"It may seem as if I'm being oversensitive and melodramatic, but it's hard to explain if you haven't felt it."

Several Strategies to Cope

For those affected then there are a few methods you can attempt to manage the situation, as suggested by experts.

1. Visualise a Different Scenario: Mental imagery is essential. Work on connecting the triggering sound causing distress with a neutral concept. As an illustration, try to picture someone's noisy drinking is just a waterfall. This technique is to help your brain learn that the sound triggering you poses no threat.
2. Try a Competition: Have a bit of fun and turn the annoying sound into a challenge involving the source. For example, if someone is eating noisily attempt mimicking the sound. By mimicking, rather than feeling like the sound is an attack, you become an willing part. And the competition element should help redirect your focus and make you a little less affected.
3. Create a Scenario: A further strategy is to try to invent a reason about the reason someone making the noise is doing it. For example if someone was sniffing, perhaps they're not in good health or maybe they're upset. This approach is altering the perception of the sound. Although the noise remains identical, your reaction of it shifts from being annoying, to feeling a slightly more compassionate about it.