Yuletide Transforms Into a Nightmare for Those with Misophonia.

A 23-year-old anticipates seeing her relatives this Christmas, but says one of the only ways she'll cope is by wearing her hearing protection - particularly at Christmas dinner.

In her case, Christmas often feels like a notably tough season as the sounds of other people chewing, slurping and breathing heavily make her feel extremely uncomfortable.

"I get this sensation of instant dread, my every muscle will just tighten and it as though I'm in a threatening situation, and I need to stop these noises."

The individual has experienced sound sensitivity from a young age and for her that makes the holiday period "exceptionally stressful".

Misophonia is a reduced tolerance to certain sounds, especially noises produced by those around you.

The condition is widespread across the population. Researchers found a significant portion of people experience it.

Typically it's sounds associated with mouth, throat or facial movements that cause distress, along with examples such as chewing, heavy breathing, and pen clicking.

A Source of Dread

The sufferer notes: "There are so many various auditory triggers at the holidays and that can be anxiety inducing and make you fear it.

"Those close to me are understanding, but I'm very mindful that I don't want to make other people feel uncomfortable. It's like a really big battle of managing my symptoms to make sure everyone else is happy."

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

Noises that may appear innocuous, like someone slurping a Buck's fizz, rustling a roll of wrapping paper, or enjoying festive food can cause a visceral feeling that can even result in them withdrawing from gatherings.

Jenna, a 21-year-old student, who has dealt with misophonia since aged 10, states currently her plan is to use headphones to get through dinner. Typically, she would often retreat in a different room to escape distressing triggers.

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

"People assume you to spend time with family, and I wish to, but it's exhausting on all levels.

"I feel as if this intense irritation takes hold, which can feel embarrassing, or I'll feel anxious and begin to weep and then panic will activate.

"It can come across as if I'm being difficult and overreacting, but it's hard to explain without firsthand experience."

Several Strategies to Handle It

For those affected then there are a few methods you can attempt to manage the situation, based on advice from specialists.

1. Visualise a Different Scenario: Creative thinking is key. Attempt to link the triggering sound bothering you with an unrelated image. So for example, try to envision someone's slurping is just a gentle stream. This technique is to retrain your mind that the sound affecting you is neutral.
2. Try a Competition: Have a bit of fun and make the irritating noise into a competition involving the source. For example, if someone is crunching loudly attempt mimicking the sound. By mimicking, rather than feeling like the sound is unwanted, you become an willing part. And the game aspect should help distract your brain and make you somewhat less sensitive.
3. Create a Scenario: Another technique is to try to fabricate an explanation about the reason someone creating the sound is doing it. For example if someone was making a nasal sound, perhaps they're not at their best or are troubled. This approach is re-framing the context of the sound. Although the sound doesn't change, your reaction of it shifts from being aggravating, to feeling a bit more accepting towards it.