I was like this even before the TBI [almost 2 wks. ago by the way.]. A I have a problem w/ high pitch. And 2 it's amazing how much people talk in this country. [the states.]. and just like random small talk. it actually really bothers me. one of the things I love about London is how much people don't, talk.

Yes, and yes
 

I often found this happening to me during meetings. I just couldn't track verbally after about 10 minutes. In those cases, I just did the best I could, and often ended up overstimulated.

But I have asked people to stop talking, as I was having a hard time with sound. No matter how gently (or not) you say it, it doesn't seem to be well received. I think the easiest way is to always be prepared for an escape plan, hope you don't have to use it, and keep trying no matter how long it takes. It took me over two years of practice before I could usually eat lunch in a restaurant without too much trouble, and it's still not a guarantee on a bad day. But I can do it now.

Things like taking breaks from the conversation, earplugs, regular exposure, and sometimes just going home helped me until my brain could handle just a little bit more. Once I gave myself permission to not be locked in, it was much easier to deal with things without as much frustration.

Selective
 

Guess I have been more selective with whom I spend time with - if they cannot take into consideration my disabilities I distance myself.

You tell them the issues you have and some listen and act responsibly, others discount it because you look normal, you are normal. Dealing with people on the phone who have strong foreign accents are the worst, now I ask them to put someone else on from their company who is not a foreigner and will answer my queries concisely.

In crowded places I choose to sit in a corner facing the wall, helps with the overload.

After a while you develop ways of addressing situations using trial and error. In time you become less agitated and aggro, choosing your words wisely to suit the occasion. Coin phrases become part of your new tool box.

I have returned to seminars and before the start say to the lecturer I will be ducking in and out due to the overload on my brain. Taking that breather/quiet time is the difference between lasting the distance and not. As psychologist said, keep putting yourself in these situations, stay awhile and leave, building your tolerance and finding ways to navigate. Not always easy but pays dividends eventually.

Foreign accents are a brick wall to me, too. Some times, I have to ask for a supervisor to get away from the accents. I often tell that person that when somebody speaks with a strong accent, I spend so much effort trying to understand each word that I do not have the ability to understand the sentence. Seniors often have this same problem.

Sitting or standing in a corner works for me, too. But, I face away from the corner. It helps to be able to identify the sounds so my brain can let go of the 'what was that?' thought process.

I just don't talk or listen as much as pre accident days.

Bud

LOL - all the time!

I can pick out a word or two here and there - just enough to pretend to know what is going on if it's a one on one conversation. However, if there is more than one person in the conversation forget it - I just zone out! Actually I zone out with one on one if it's more than one sentence back and forth.

Doctors and therapists talk and talk and then write in my file that I'm fine ??? HA, they never ask me about what they just spoke about - I can guarantee you that I have no idea - perhaps a general idea but no specifics. But, because I was looking at them and smiling they think I'm fine ????? Or they ask me a simple question like, "Do you have any children?" Well, I can answer that so I'm fine ?????

My SLP therapist knows because she can read a paragraph to me and I cannot answer the questions.

Glad to hear everyone's responses. I got embarrassed always saying "I'm sorry I just missed the beginning when actually I missed the whole thing. I can smile and nod and get a few vacant stares but it works. I also will just excuse myself and go to the bathroom just to get away. Different topic when I return :) Also I have a few catch phrases that work well too...

Frustrating for sure....it makes me feel momentarily stupid and I'm not a stupid person. I loose confidence about the future as well.

I had to leave a meeting today because as the speaker is talking my brain is fixated on the vertical blinds and overhead lights. I was tired from vacation travel so I came home and rested. Will do tomorrow as well.... and hope to avoid big conversations.

Warm wishes