Noise Sensitivity
 

Ok guys. I need some suggestions. I'm feeling so much better, it's amazing. And then I get hit out of the blue by some random noise (in this last particular case people were rolling carts of I don't even know what down the mall and to me it sounded like a large airplane flying by) and go nuts. I have my earplugs but it doesn't seem to be enough at times. And it really is only certain things. I know that the church organ bothers me so I haven't been to church but just a few times in the past 6 months. But at work (in a mall) I never know what's coming next and while by and large I'm ok something hits me and then I'm not okay and it's anxiety and agitation and headaches all over again. I'm really sick of this. Thoughts? Suggestions?

Sounds like a strong reaction. Maybe you could de-sensitise yourself to noises that trigger it? Try a single shopping cart then build up, or listen to organ music on headphones turned down low then increase the volume a bit each day. Is it the fact that you can't control the loud noise or is it the noise itself? :cool:

I wish I could offer a suggestion. I understand your situation. I have had the same reaction when I can't get away from the sound. Is there any way you can get some noise canceling head phones and take a short break when this happens ?

Unfortunately no to the noise cancelling headphones. I wish that were an option but due to my line of work earplugs are all I can get away with. I can take short breaks, and that does help, but ultimately it's not a solution. A new job would probably be my best alternative but that's a whole different can of worms and at this point equally unviable. So I'm stuck with what I've got.

Appreciate the response.

My point was to have the noise canceling head phone to use during your break. Getting a very quiet break can possibly make a big difference.

I gotcha. I've also been reading about therapies involving pink noise. I downloaded an app on my phone that allows me to listen to it, but have yet to truly pursuethe matter.

What about something like musicians earplugs?

The musician's earplugs have changed my life dramatically. I have 2 different filters I can put in depending on how loud the environment is going to be. You can still hear a conversation but it cuts back the highs and lows. They are with me wherever I go.