STOP that noise!

Auditory Hypersensitivity - what is it? What does it mean? What can help?

Does your child avoid loud sounds? Avoid places with a lot of noise? Cover their ears and cry when sirens get close? Do you or someone you know have Misophonia? "Misophonia, also known as selective sound sensitivity syndrome, starts with a trigger. It’s often an oral sound -- the noise someone makes when they eat, breathe, chew, yawn, or whistle. Sometimes a small repetitive motion is the cause -- someone fidgets, jostles you, or wiggles their foot." (WebMd, 2016) Misophonia can cause mild feelings of anxiety or extreme reactions like rage or panic.

Auditory sensitivities indicate an issue with auditory processing. This is NOT related to hearing abilities. Someone with auditory processing issues often has normal or even very acute hearing - so these issues will not show on a typical hearing test.

These auditory sensitivities can lead to an increase in anxiety, avoidance of certain areas or activities which can impact the person or family's functioning. By improving the ability to filter out certain frequencies and by strengthening the middle ear muscles and regulating the nervous system, these sensitivities can be greatly diminished - leading to a happier and more peaceful life.

An audiologist can test for auditory processing concerns and some psychologists as well.

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) - developed by Dr. Stephen Porges - is highly effective in reducing these sensitivities.

PRE-SSP

Overwhelmed easily by sounds in the environment

POST-SSP

Can more easily accept sounds that previously bothered them. For instance, mall music that had previously been too overwhelming is now not even noticed.

PRE-SSP

Struggles to modulate voice level

POST-SSP

Better control over voice volume; less need for yelling or talking loudly.

PRE-SSP

Bathroom hand dryers have ALWAYS made her cover her ears

POST-SSP

This week, she had NO reaction to a public hand dryer. I asked her if the noise bothered her and she said NO.

PRE-SSP

Cannot tolerate trigger sounds: sneezes; coughs; sniffs; eating and drinking sounds. Reacts by covering head and ears and cries and screams (11-year old girl with Misophonia)