Yuletide Transforms Into a Terrifying Experience for Misophonia Sufferers.

One young woman is looking forward to spending time with her loved ones during the festive period, but notes a primary method she'll cope is by wearing her noise-cancelling devices - especially during Christmas dinner.

For the 23-year-old, the holidays is a especially challenging season as the auditory triggers of family members munching, drinking noisily and sniffling make her feel intense distress.

"I get this sensation of instant dread, my every muscle will just freeze and it seems as if I'm in a threatening situation, and I need to somehow control these noises."

Lottie has lived with sound sensitivity from a young age and for her that causes the Christmas time "deeply taxing".

Misophonia is a reduced tolerance to particular auditory triggers, especially noises made by those around you.

It's surprisingly common amongst adults. A study discovered nearly 20% people are affected by it.

Frequently it's sounds associated with eating or drinking that trigger a reaction, along with examples such as crunching, breathing, and repetitive finger tapping.

Triggering Stress

The sufferer notes: "There are so many different triggering sounds at Christmas and that can be anxiety inducing and make you want to avoid it.

"Those close to me are understanding, but I'm very mindful that I don't want to upset others. It's like a really big battle of managing my symptoms to guarantee the event goes smoothly."

So it's easy to understand why the most wonderful time of the year can quickly turn into a stressful ordeal for those with the condition.

Noises that may be considered normal, like someone drinking champagne, rustling a roll of wrapping paper, or tucking into a Christmas dinner can trigger a powerful reaction that can even lead to them withdrawing from gatherings.

Jenna, a young adult, who has experienced sound sensitivity from childhood, explains her strategy is to use headphones to cope. Usually, she would frequently go in a quiet area to minimize problematic noises.

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

"There's an expectation to be around loved ones, and I want to, but it's physically and mentally challenging.

"It's like this intense irritation comes over me, which can feel shameful, or I'll feel stressed and begin to weep and then panic will kick in.

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

Three Ways to Cope

For those affected then there are a few methods you can use to handle the situation, as suggested by experts.

1. Visualise an Alternative: Creative thinking is key. Attempt to link the triggering sound bothering you with a neutral concept. For instance, try to envision someone's slurping is just a sink draining water. This technique is to retrain your mind that the sound triggering you is neutral.
2. Make it a Game: Have a bit of fun and turn the annoying sound into a competition with the culprit. For example, if someone is eating noisily attempt mimicking the sound. By mimicking, instead of feeling like the sound is unwanted, you become an engaged person. And the challenge should help shift your attention and make you a little less affected.
3. Create a Scenario: Another technique is to try to create a little story about the reason someone creating the sound is behaving that way. So if someone was sniffing, maybe they are not in good health or could be emotional. This approach is altering the perception of the sound. While the noise remains identical, your reaction of it shifts from being aggravating, to feeling a little more neutral about it.