I was diagnosed only about 6 months ago by a OT who specializes in adult sensory integration. I use a special headset and she provides CDs made especially to change or calm the nerve endings which trigger my acute sensitivity to sounds or noise. But I am experiencing a set back. I'm not sure it helped but now I'm trying to use these CDs as instructed. For 30 minutes 2 times a day.

Here is why I'm posting. I want to know if there is anyone out there who is as extremely noise and sound sensitive. I've suffered all my life and have turned to substance abuse in the past and food to cope. Now that I know I'm wired different from most people I understand I'm not crazy. But living in The world is so painful. The thing right now is the traffic noise where I live seems to have gotten so noisy that I feel like I want to just scream. I have to keep a loud box fan on or wear earplugs or both and play music. But at times being so annoyed just stresses me out even more. I have always struggled with my living situation. Dogs barking make me nuts. Or neighbors talking outside make me so angry. I can't control the world. But at least my home was my safe quiet place. Now that either it has gotten noisier or I'm even more sensitive I feel I'm going out of my mind. I want to move so much. Yet people tell me no matter where I live there will always be noises. I don't know what to do to stay sane at this point

I have to put Ear plugs in my ears upon waking up. By 7 am the sound of cars and trucks is already happening. I'm so on edge and angry. I am depressed too. There is such peace when I'm in nature where all I hear are nature sounds. I need to find support of others who can relate. I have other sensory issues but the sound one is OFF THE CHARTS RIGHT NOW AND ALWAYS HAS BEEN.

If there are any people who suffer from this type of acute noise sensativity please contact me. I'm actually in emotional as well as physical pain when I can't get away From these noises. Noises that no one else even notices. For now my Earplugs and my box fan are the only way I survive.

Thank you. Please let me know if anyone else can relate

HI Sunshinegal
I am very noise sensitive as well. I found it was worth the cost to get custom molded earplugs. I went to a local audiologist who made custom molds of my ear canal. The company that does it is called Beltone, https://www.beltone.com/hearing-aids/bel...molds.aspx

However, sometimes when I especially sensitive I put in my ear plugs and then put on Bose Comfort noise cancellation over the ears headphones over that. It makes a huge difference. I know these cost $$ but the investment for me was worth it!

I've also been struggling with noise bombardment.

I think it's a combination of sensory processing disorder, all my life, and illness-induced hyperacusis, over the last several years, and loud construction noises, car noises, sirens, backup beepers, etc. It is a nasty one-two-three punch.

I'm getting a bit better, now, with:

* air filters, since these help with my allergies, and these also help me get used to the noise and to mask or moderate all the other noise.

* ear plugs and ear protectors when going outside, going anyplace loud, etc. I use Radians custom-moldable ear plugs and 3M ear protectors. But I find them too uncomfortable to wear all the time.

* quitting salicylates, such as aspirin, other nsaids, tea, turmeric, cinnamon, etc. since these are ototoxic and can cause hyperacusis.

* quitting caffeine.

I'm not a doctor, but you might want to look into allergies, salicylate sensitivity if you are taking or eating salicylates, inner ear issues such as superior semicircular canal dehisence, and/or illnesses such as Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, etc.

Am I the only one who ends up fatigued as well from noise sensory overload?