Please stop making that sound !

[WhiteStockings]

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?

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

How do you handle all the alarms? Certainly that has to be harder on your ears than clearing someone's throat? As someone who has allergies with post nasal drip it is miserable for those of us that have to clear our throat. It feels like you are choking at times. I'd rather have a runny nose it would be easier to just blow my nose and feel better. Be lucky you don't have this problem!

I suggest you listen to music or step away from the desk or problem people. Don't know what else to tell you. Things that get on my nerves something awful are endless alarms and confused people yelling out. I try to silence the alarms, listen to music, give the patient some vitamin A and have been tempted to come to work with ear plugs.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Ear buds are a no-no at work. You cannot hear alarms, patients crying for help, visitors approaching, etc.

Please re- read my post. I specified when NOT at work.

[OCNRN63, RN]

Didn't know there was a name for it, but I gotta tell you, it's very difficult to work in a quiet setting with someone who is constantly making noises. I work with a lady who, if she's not passing gas, belching, or sniffing/blowing her nose, is chewing and smacking her gum. She will also mumble to herself from time to time; she will hum to some kind of music she only hears and is quite tone deaf. We share office space, and it gets so bad I have to get up and just leave out for a few minutes to calm myself down. I think in my case though, I probably wouldn't be as sensitive if our office wasn't so quiet. And, we aren't allowed to wear any kind of headphones. So, I play music through my computer speakers very softly to try and get my mind off it, or just try my best to ignore it. I don't really have any answers for you, though. Just leaving my own take, I guess. :)

I would have a major problem if I had to share an office with someone who just farted at will. I mean, everybody has passed gas accidentally, but to just sit there and let it rip? I'f have t be a smart-alec and say something like, "Hmmm...cabbage for supper last night?"

[allnurses Admin Team]

Please note that some off-topic replies have either been edited or removed.

Let's keep this a good discussion w/o making personal comments.

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[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

I kind of understand what you are describing, OP.

For me, something rather nice comes with that "sound sensitivity". Have you ever heard of ASMR? Its sort of the opposite - its a distinctly enjoyable visceral sensation that some people get from certain sounds or other stimuli. You can find a lot of videos on youtube if you search for that term - I pop my headphones in at night, put an ASMR youtube video on and instant relaxation...

Hmmm, interesting. I recently learned that there are people who love to watch back and neck adjustments on YouTube. They love to hear and see chiropractors cracking peoples' backs. This sounds like a similar thing to what you describe above.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I too have misophonia and HATE repetitive sounds, like bass thudding from a passing car and alarms. I was a highly sensitive child, easily startled and even today I can't stand the sound of balloons popping. Ringing telephones also make me crazy. The OP definitely has my sympathies!

[AZBlueBell]

I kind of understand what you are describing, OP.

For me, something rather nice comes with that "sound sensitivity". Have you ever heard of ASMR? Its sort of the opposite - its a distinctly enjoyable visceral sensation that some people get from certain sounds or other stimuli. You can find a lot of videos on youtube if you search for that term - I pop my headphones in at night, put an ASMR youtube video on and instant relaxation...

I have never heard of this and just watched a little on YouTube...very strange to me! It's just whispers and lip smacking basically? I only watched a bit of 2 videos so I could be wrong but am genuinely curious about this.

[TheGooch]

I would have a major problem if I had to share an office with someone who just farted at will. I mean, everybody has passed gas accidentally, but to just sit there and let it rip? I'f have t be a smart-alec and say something like, "Hmmm...cabbage for supper last night?"

Sounds to me like that person was raised with no manners.

Or maybe she likes to smell her own farts. I don't know-behaviour like that is a head scratcher.

[canigraduate]

I hum or do some other noise to block it out.

I make sure to look away from the source of the noise, too. Seeing the action makes it worse.

When all else fails, I cover the ear nearest to the noise and walk away.