I understand its allergy season, but how do you cope with being around people who are constantly snorting and clearing their throats? I have always been highly sensitive of certain noises and sounds but some things just drive me crazy. I have Misophonia or Selective Sound Sensitivity Syndrome (I didn't realize their was a name for it until recently). Its more than just a pet peeve. Things that drive me insane are: gum chewing, smacking, crunching, slurping, snoring, even something as simple as someone clinking a spoon against a bowl or plate. Going out to eat at a restaurant is always an uncomfortable experience for me. It seems like everything is in overdrive now. I feel like certain people that I am around and know that I cant stand certain sounds go out of their way to just irritate me. Does anyone else deal with this on a daily basis and how do you cope with it or not let it bother you?
meanmaryjean, DNP, RN 7,899 Posts Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia. Has 46 years experience. Sep 7, 2015 I have misophonia as well, but I also have terrible seasonal allergies which are at their peak right now. It's miserable having to MAKE those sounds in order to breathe or not have nasal draining running down to one's lip.
Been there,done that, ASN, RN 6,959 Posts Has 33 years experience. Sep 7, 2015 I will bite anyway ( not too loudly). I have a sensitivity as well, not as severe as yours.. but some sounds are actually painful. You could listen to music with ear buds when you are not at work.The only suggestion I can think of for work, is to work from home. I have to tell the mutt to stop barking once in awhile, but other than that, it's pretty quiet.
Horseshoe, BSN, RN 5,879 Posts Sep 7, 2015 You cope by reminding yourself that no one is perfect, that everyone has their quirks, YOU INCLUDED.Focus on your own shortcomings; if you are normal, you have plenty to keep yourself busy.
WhiteStockings 21 Posts Sep 7, 2015 I too suffer with seasonal allergies and the same sounds that send me up the wall are some of the same sounds that I make myself, and I'm sure they probably send some folks up the wall as well (especially when my throat is itching).I am a Private Duty Nurse (so I do work at a home in a sense). Im not trying to be rude or anything but sounds just get to me that's all.
dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN 1,571 Posts Specializes in PDN; Burn; Phone triage. Has 8 years experience. Sep 7, 2015 You cope by reminding yourself that no one is perfect, that everyone has their quirks, YOU INCLUDED.Focus on your own shortcomings; if you are normal, you have plenty to keep yourself busy.I have the same problem as the OP. You know how nails on a chalkboard makes you wince and your toes instinctively curl? Almost like the sound hurts? That is what the sniffling and throat clearing does to her when she hears it. It's not as if the OP is grossed out or kinda annoyed. It's a visceral, uncontrollable negative reaction to certain noises.
Horseshoe, BSN, RN 5,879 Posts Sep 7, 2015 I have the same problem as the OP. You know how nails on a chalkboard makes you wince and your toes instinctively curl? Almost like the sound hurts? That is what the sniffling and throat clearing does to her when she hears it. It's not as if the OP is grossed out or kinda annoyed. It's a visceral, uncontrollable negative reaction to certain noises.Yes, and she asked how she can "cope." That's the only way I know to cope with things that "annoy" you. If you are doing it yourself, or have other imperfections, I think it's good to remind yourself of that as you get REALLY annoyed at other people's uncontrollable reactions to allergens. You CAN choose how you react to things. You may have to train yourself over time, but it can be done.
dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN 1,571 Posts Specializes in PDN; Burn; Phone triage. Has 8 years experience. Sep 7, 2015 Yes, and she asked how she can "cope." That's the only way I know to cope with things that "annoy" you. If you are doing it yourself, or have other imperfections, I think it's good to remind yourself of that as you get REALLY annoyed at other people's uncontrollable reactions to allergens. You CAN choose how you react to things. You may have to train yourself over time, but it can be done.But it isn't an annoyance. The reaction is closer to the over-the-top experiences that people with phobias have. I think you're caught up in thinking that there is judgment behind the reaction to the sound but there really isn't. No moreso than if someone with, say, a phobia of the color orange had a panic attack over your orange shirt.
Horseshoe, BSN, RN 5,879 Posts Sep 7, 2015 But it isn't an annoyance. The reaction is closer to the over-the-top experiences that people with phobias have. I think you're caught up in thinking that there is judgment behind the reaction to the sound but there really isn't. No moreso than if someone with, say, a phobia of the color orange had a panic attack over your orange shirt.I used to have a visceral reaction to my DH's chewing his food. It drove me up the freaking wall. But he wasn't doing anything wrong, like chewing with his mouth open or anything he could do to change. It's just the way he chews, and the reaction I had to it. I had to train myself to change my reactions. It CAN be done. The OP asked for opinions; I gave mine. If you disagree, that's perfectly fine, but she asked, and she's going to get answers. She didn't simply ask for validation, so I assumed her question was sincere.
imintrouble, BSN, RN 2,406 Posts Specializes in LTC Rehab Med/Surg. Has 16 years experience. Sep 8, 2015 Who knew? I don't have a particular sensitivity, but loud noises put me on edge. They make me nervous.The longer I'm exposed the more wired I get. I thought it was just me, and maybe it is.I just put up with it. Or remove myself from the situation.Sometimes that's impossible. In those cases, I just tell myself it can't last forever.
Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN 1,776 Posts Specializes in Gerontology. Has 37 years experience. Sep 8, 2015 The sound of someone chewing gum, cracking it, etc sets my nerves on edge. Slurping food too.
trinitymaster 360 Posts Specializes in Long Term Acute Care, TCU. Has 16 years experience. Sep 8, 2015 This song will give you all the answers you need for your situation.....It is the only cure for someone who is completely annoyed by everything they hear
