The Holiday Season Often Proves to Be a Nightmare for Individuals Living with Sound Sensitivity.

A 23-year-old hopes for seeing her family over the holidays, but admits a primary method she'll manage to get through it is by relying on her hearing protection - particularly at Christmas dinner.

For the 23-year-old, this time of year often feels like a especially challenging period as the sounds of other people chewing, slurping and sniffling make her feel profound anxiety.

"I get this feeling of sudden panic, my whole body will just tense up and it feels like I'm in a threatening situation, and I need to manage these triggers."

Lottie has experienced this condition since she was 16 and for her that causes the Christmas time "deeply taxing".

Misophonia is an intense sensitivity to certain sounds, particularly those made by individuals.

It's surprisingly common amongst adults. Researchers found a significant portion of people suffer from it.

Typically it's sounds associated with bodily functions that lead to discomfort, as well as examples such as chewing, heavy breathing, and repetitive finger tapping.

A Source of Dread

The sufferer notes: "I face so many assorted problematic noises at the holidays and that can be stressful and make you fear it.

"My family are aware, but I'm very aware that I don't want to spoil the mood. It's like a constant struggle of managing my symptoms to guarantee everyone else is happy."

So it's clear why the most wonderful time of the year can transform into a stressful ordeal for those with the condition.

Noises that may seem harmless, like someone sipping a beverage, opening presents, or enjoying festive food can provoke a powerful reaction that can even lead to them avoiding social settings altogether.

The student, a 21-year-old student, who has experienced misophonia since aged 10, says currently her plan is to listen to music to cope. On any other day, she would often retreat in a different room to minimize problematic noises.

She says her misophonia is more pronounced around people she's most familiar with, so the holidays is always "difficult".

"There's an expectation to be around loved ones, and I want to, but it's exhausting on all levels.

"The sensation is this intense irritation takes hold, which can feel awkward, or I'll feel stressed and burst into tears and then fight-or-flight will take over.

"It can come across as if I'm being difficult and melodramatic, but it's tough to describe unless you've experienced it."

Several Strategies to Cope

For those affected then there are a few methods you can attempt to manage the situation, based on advice from specialists.

1. Visualise an Alternative: Creative thinking is crucial. Attempt to link the particular sound bothering you with an unrelated image. So for example, try to envision someone's slurping is just a sink draining water. By doing this is to help your brain learn that the sound affecting you isn't harmful.
2. Make it a Game: Use lightheartedness and make the irritating noise into a challenge involving the source. For instance, if someone is eating noisily have a go at joining in. Through participation, instead of feeling like the sound is being imposed on you, you become an willing part. And the challenge should help distract your brain and make you somewhat less sensitive.
3. Craft a Story: A further strategy is to try to create a little story about the reason someone creating the sound is doing it. So if someone was sniffing, it could be that they're not at their best or are troubled. This approach is re-framing the context of the sound. Although the noise stays the same, your understanding of it changes from being annoying, to feeling a little more neutral about it.