The Holiday Season Can Be a Living Hell for Those with Misophonia.

A 23-year-old hopes for being with her loved ones during the festive period, but admits one of the only ways she'll manage to get through it is by relying on her noise-cancelling devices - notably for Christmas dinner.

For the 23-year-old, this time of year can be a particularly difficult season as the noises of other people chewing, sipping loudly and sniffling cause her profound anxiety.

"There's this wave of sudden panic, my entire being will just tense up and it as though I'm in danger, and I need to manage these triggers."

The individual has experienced sound sensitivity since she was 16 and for her that causes the festive season "incredibly overwhelming".

Misophonia is a reduced tolerance to specific noises, particularly those coming from those around you.

It's surprisingly common in the UK. Researchers reported nearly 20% people suffer from it.

Frequently it's noises connected to mouth, throat or facial movements that lead to discomfort, as well as things like crunching, breathing, and foot tapping.

Triggering Stress

She explains: "I face so many assorted problematic noises at Christmas and that can be daunting and make you want to avoid it.

"My family are aware, but I'm very conscious that I don't want to upset others. It's like a really big battle of managing my symptoms to ensure the event goes smoothly."

So it's clear why the traditionally happy period can transform into a living nightmare for affected individuals.

Sounds that may seem harmless, like someone sipping a beverage, opening presents, or tucking into a Christmas dinner can cause a powerful reaction that can even result in them withdrawing from gatherings.

Jenna, a 21-year-old student, who has experienced sound sensitivity for over a decade, explains currently her plan is to put her earphones in to get through dinner. On any other day, she would often retreat in a separate space to avoid distressing triggers.

She explains her sensitivity is more intense around people she's closest to, so the holidays is always "difficult".

"There is pressure to socialize with loved ones, and I wish to, but it's draining.

"It's like this sudden rage washes over me, which can feel awkward, or I'll feel stressed and immediately start crying and then panic will activate.

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

Three Ways to Handle It

If you suffer then there are a few methods you can use to handle the situation, as suggested by experts.

1. Imagine a Different Scenario: Mental imagery is essential. Attempt to link the particular sound causing distress with a neutral concept. As an illustration, try to envision someone's slurping is just a gentle stream. The goal is to teach your brain that the sound triggering you isn't harmful.
2. Try a Competition: Use lightheartedness and turn the annoying sound into a game with the person. For instance, if someone is eating noisily have a go at copying the noise. By joining in, instead of feeling like the sound is unwanted, you become an active participant. And the challenge should help redirect your focus and make you a little less affected.
3. Develop a Narrative: A further strategy is to try to invent a reason about the reason someone creating the sound is behaving that way. So if someone was making a nasal sound, it could be that they're not feeling well or maybe they're upset. By doing this is re-framing the context of the sound. Although the sound stays the same, your understanding of it moves from being annoying, to feeling a little more neutral about it.