SPD Support Forum

Hello, my mother (60 years old) suffers from SPD. She is especially affected by noise and light - ones that other people find no problem. Are there any products I could buy for her - such as noise cancelling headphones or special dark glasses that could help her at this age? Thank you!

In my experience, not so much. I have Polare sunglasses, but they don't do enough. I have heavy ear plugs and ear protectors, but they're almost as uncomfortable as the pain, and they don't do enough to block the pain.

I am not a doctor, but I would consider salicylate sensitivity and/or other medical issues such as nutrient deficiencies, Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, etc. which can make everything much more painful. In my experience, doctors don't usually check for salicylate sensitivity, "uncommon" allergies, or nutrient deficiencies.

I have a few suggestions, depending on your financial resources and location. These are based on my experience as an occupational therapist as well as my own personal experience living with pretty significant SPD:

1) Consider consulting with an occupational therapist. It may be hard to find someone who works with adults (as most SPD-focused OTs work with children), but they will be able to provide the most individually tailored support for your mother.

2) Look into the possibility of Irlen Syndrome (http://irlen.com), which is caused by difficulties processing visual information in the brain and can result in severe sensitivity to light (as well as other issues that may not seem obviously connected). Irlen Syndrome is addressed by wearing special tinted glasses and/or using colored plastic overlays (on books, computer screens, etc.) to filter out particular light wavelengths. The website includes several self-administered tests.

3) Sharon Heller's book "Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight: What to Do If You Are Sensory Defensive in an Overstimulating World" is a great resource for explaining sensory defensiveness and providing guidelines/exercises for addressing its effects. For example, your mother should try to ensure her living/working environments are as calming as possible, which may involve dimmer lighting, blackout curtains, removing visual clutter, etc. Even simple things like facing away from windows (light and glare) can really help, but simply may not occur to your mother because she's just gotten used to dealing with it.

4) Encourage your mother to be physically active. This could be going for walks, gardening, swimming, aerobics, playing with grandkids--anything she enjoys! Getting enough physical activity is really important for regulating the sensory system. On that note, making sure she gets enough sleep/rest and good nutrition are also really important. (I know that's pretty cliche advice, but it's really so, so important for those of us with SPD!)

5) Things I have found personally helpful for my own light and sound sensitivity: earplugs (experiment with different kinds; I prefer reusable silicone ones instead of foam); listening to headphones with soothing music (especially helpful in busy, crowded places like grocery stores); sunglasses; hats with brims; and using meditation/mindfulness exercises when I'm feeling overwhelmed.

sound: i use earmuffers.com they are noise protection that stick on the outside of the ear instead of inside. can even sleep in them. and otis ear brand of ear protection. it covers the ear but again not inside...its hollow so blocks loud and high frequency, but still allows you to hear conversation. ordered it on walmarts website

light: zenni optical. cheap glasses, and can get them in non prescription. i ordered the dark tint glasses, amber works better than gray. then added the sunglasses clip on too. then if i need extra i use a pair of sunglasses that fit over the regular glasses. for inside i have a pair of 50% tint. order a pair that has large lenses for better blockage.