Yuletide Often Proves to Be a Living Hell for Individuals Living with Sound Sensitivity.

One young woman hopes for seeing her family this Christmas, but says a key strategy she'll manage to get through it is by using her earplugs - notably for the main festive feast.

In her case, Christmas is a especially challenging season as the noises of family members munching, slurping and breathing heavily make her feel extremely uncomfortable.

"There's this sensation of sudden panic, my every muscle will just freeze and it feels like I'm in a threatening situation, and I need to stop these sounds."

She has lived with sound sensitivity since she was 16 and for her that causes the Christmas time "exceptionally stressful".

Misophonia is a decreased threshold to particular auditory triggers, particularly those produced by those around you.

The condition is widespread in the UK. A study discovered nearly 20% people suffer from it.

Often it's sounds connected to bodily functions that trigger a reaction, along with things like crunching, heavy breathing, and foot tapping.

'Anxiety Inducing'

She explains: "There are so many assorted problematic noises at the holidays and that can be anxiety inducing and make you dread it.

"My family are supportive, 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 quickly turn into a source of agony for affected individuals.

Triggers that may seem harmless, like someone drinking champagne, rustling a roll of wrapping paper, or enjoying festive food can trigger a powerful reaction that can even lead to them withdrawing from gatherings.

Jenna, a young adult, who has experienced misophonia since aged 10, explains currently her plan is to listen to music to cope. Typically, she would often retreat in a separate space to avoid triggering sounds.

She says her condition is more pronounced around people she's most familiar with, so the holidays is always "challenging".

"There's an expectation to spend time with family, and I wish to, but it's physically and mentally challenging.

"I feel as if this intense irritation comes over me, which can feel embarrassing, or I'll feel anxious and begin to weep and then fight-or-flight will activate.

"To others it appears as if I'm being difficult and dramatic, but it's tough to describe unless you've experienced it."

Several Strategies to Manage

If you suffer then there are some different techniques you can try to cope the situation, according to clinical psychologists.

1. Imagine a Different Scenario: Mental imagery is essential. Try to associate the triggering sound causing distress with a neutral concept. So for example, try to imagine someone's slurping is just a waterfall. This technique is to teach your brain that the sound affecting you is neutral.
2. Make it a Game: Use lightheartedness and make the irritating noise into a challenge with the person. As an example, if someone is eating noisily try joining in. By mimicking, rather than feeling like the sound is unwanted, you become an active participant. And the competition element should help redirect your focus and make you slightly more tolerant.
3. Craft a Story: Another technique is to try to invent a reason about the reason someone creating the sound is behaving that way. Imagine if someone was sniffing, it could be that they're not in good health or maybe they're upset. The idea is re-framing the context of the sound. While the sound remains identical, your understanding of it moves from being aggravating, to feeling a bit more accepting about it.