I am 29 years post TBI (Feb 1985), and yes, sounds are an ongoing problem for me as well.

Some sounds, especially repetitive beats such as in some music, or in very busy environments where there is TV, radio, cell phone chatter, conversations (like doctor waiting rooms) are the worse.

I carry earplugs everywhere which helps some. Secondary to TBI, I also have neurocognitive hearing issues left ear.

The more fatigued I am, the worse the sound sensitivity. I am also on keppra-xr for mild partial complex seizure disorder. That helps some on the sound issue.

I also have migraines, well controlled for the most part. Also c-spine issues which lately has affect greater occipital nerve and have occipital neuralgia.

Pain level, I have noticed, certainly increases the sound sensitivity.

So, I work around that with these key foundations when I know I am going to be in those environments. Well rested, earplugs handy, manage the pain (if greater than 5, I take pain med rx), and don't stress.

Another thing I have noticed is fragrances in the particular environment on top of the sounds issues makes the sound sensitivity worse. I also have MCS (multi-chemical sensitivity)

Mostly all I can do with the MCS is avoidance. Fragrances and such do trigger migraines and it needs no saying that migraines are going to affect sound sensitivity.

I also have been known to request accommodation when I am in a store with the sat music so loud I can't block it out. Some stores I have found are very willing to accommodate by turning down the volume while I shop. Others - not, and those I don't shop at any longer.

Another strategy I use is structure my ventures out to less busy times, and usually in the morning. As the day progresses, I am more tired and then of course more sound sensitive. I can handle sounds better in the morning, as I am more rested to begin with.

I have also learned over the years not to be reluctance to request an accommodation. Even in some doc offices, if the noise is too much, I ask for a quieter place to wait and of one isn't available, I advise them I will sit out in the hall and please have the nurse call me in from out there. Some will accommodate, others won't.

Yes, I really have done that!!

The worse anyone can do is say no. But sometimes they say yes.

The sort of funniest one is when I go to my vascular doc office. The din gets really bad in there and it's usually a long wait. Last time, I had enough.

So I lay on the floor, put my lower legs on the chair, knees and hips at 90 degree angles and it was sure much quieter down there on the floor.

Receptionist runs over thinking I was ill or something. I said nope. I said "I asked if you could turn down the TV, and you said no. I asked if there was a quieter place I could wait, and you said no. Even with earplugs in, with all the other conversations going on, cell phone chatter, lady over there tapping on her computer with her fingernails, TV blasting, kid over there playing his noisy game, etc. I made my own QUIETER place to wait."

Next I know, two minutes later I was called back to exam room.

Part of the dilemma with "invisible" disabilities/challenges is that other people don't see them, let alone experience these things themselves.

Part of managing these sound issues and other challenges is at times being willing to ask for a little accommodation. Doesn't cost a thing to ask. Sometimes the answer is even yes.