Hypersensitive Senses - Auditory Hypersensitivity

My personal experience with these conditions goes back as far back as I can remember. So, the information you find in this post was not only written by someone simply informed about these conditions, or just treats these conditions in others, but who has an innate understanding of, and is skilled in years of battling, these conditions, and who is driven towards encouraging others to do the same. My methods are tried and tested, practical and dependable.

The following area includes information pertaining to auditory hypersensitivity in a broadest sense as experienced by individuals suffering from Fibromyalgia, Sensory Processing Disorder, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, amongst other similar conditions involving central nervous system dysfunction or Central Sensitivity Syndromes.

Auditory sensitivity is characteristic of an abnormal intolerance to the auditory perception of sound by the presence of an actual physical sensitivity. For sufferers of auditory hypersensitivity, even very mild sounds can be discomforting to immobilizing. Most effects are assumed the result of chronic pain and or fatigue, and are exacerbated by auditory sensitivity or vice versa.


Signs of Auditory Sensitivity ---

* Experiencing a sharp pain, or series of sharp pan, after a sudden or expected loud noise (e.g. vehicle honking).

* Body wide muscle contraction resulting in immobility and an inability to think when exposed to a very loud sound (e.g. ambulance siren).

* Headaches when exposed to a random or repetitious quite sound in a quite room for a short amount of time (e.g. the ticking of a clock, someone tapping their pencil, a dripping fountain).

* Headaches when exposed to sounds with a high base or have a high pitch for a short amount of time.

* Hearing fluctuating high pitches when in a silent room that others may not hear (e.g. a series of tones, clicks and beeps, or may sound instrumental). Not to be confused with Tinnitus.

* Hearing small sounds at great distances (e.g. hearing, but not necessarily able to understand, a whisper from about 20-30 ft. away).

* Are a light sleeper and always wake up to subtle sounds (e.g. birds chirping, the sound of you partner changing breathing patterns, someone quietly moving about the house, etc.).

* Have difficulty concentrating at work unless it is quite.


Signs of Auditory Sensitivity in Children ---

* Easily distracted by sounds that typically go unnoticed by others (e.g. the humming of florescent lights, refrigerators, fans, heaters, or clocks ticking).

* Fearful of loud sounds such as the flushing of the toilet, the vacuum, hair dryer, noisy shoes (heavy boots or squeaky sneakers), or dogs barking.

* Startled or distracted by loud or unexpected sounds.

* Is bothered or easily distractible by background environmental sounds (e.g. outside construction, vehicle honking, birds chirping).

* Frequently asks others to be quite (e.g. to stop making noise, talking, singing, etc.).

* Becomes frantic, cry's, or runs away when exposed to a loud or unexpected sound.

* Holds head, plugs ears, or complains of headaches during or after watching TV, listening to the radio, or going to the movie theater.

* Refuses or seems bothered by going to a movie theater, skating park/rink, musical concerts, the mall, and playgrounds with lots of other kids.

* Discomforted by loud talkers, and people with high pitched or very low voices.

* Retreats to quiet and often dim or dark places after returning home from school.


Ways to Alleviate or Reduce Symptoms ---

* Avoid places that are known for loud noises (e.g. movie theaters, malls, playgrounds, skate parks/rinks, working in large offices, living in a noisy neighborhood (or investing in sound proofing or reduction windows or materials).

* Avoid wearing hair in a high ponytail, using a headband, hats, or barrettes, as these can lead to the exacerbation of headaches and widespread pain. Also, avoid wearing necklaces and heavy earrings.

* Get an MP3 player to play soothing music as a means to avoid unpleasant sounds..

* Use ear plugs whenever possible.

* If not distracted by fans, use a small fan or white noise machine to down out other more unfavorable noises.

* If dealing with Tinnitus, see an ear, nose and throat specialist, try reducing your caffeine intake and light TMJ massage or acupressure, and try some different nasal allergy sprays, as one of these may resolve your issue.

* Turn down your computer, radio, or TV, and or reduce the amount of sound in your environment (e.g. office) by keeping doors and windows shut. Alternatively, look into working from home.

* Wear foam ear plugs at night, sleep in a separate room as your partner, or sound proof your bedroom windows to help reduce sounds that may be waking you up several times a night.

* Transform your home into a quite sanctuary, or create a quite space just for you to retreat to void of auditory bombardment.

* Learn to meditate, relax, and let your mind go.

* Do deep breathing exercises when exposed to loud or unexpected sounds to reduce physical effects.

* Some auditory issues may be the result of lacking quality sleep. Try prescription or OTC sleep aides, herbal supplements and oils, meditating before sleeping (mindful meditation "let go"), or try a new mattress or pillow (contour pillows are often best) and memory foam is typically the best way to go.

Copyright 2001 - Dr. Theresa M. Kelly - All Rights reserved - www.QPsychics.com