TOO MUCH NOISE
My life long struggle with Auditory Sensory Overload.
What is Auditory Sensory Overload?
Before I talk about experiences with Auditory Sensory Overload, I think I need to explain exactly what it is. Sensory Overload is any experience of overwhelm caused by an over-intensity of one of the 5 senses.
To cut a long story short, I avoid going to places where I know that there is going to be a lot of noise like discos and nightclubs. This had made dating extremely difficult for me as those are the most common places for trying to find a partner. Personally, I would rather meet my date in a dining place like a restaurant and a cafe when there would be only minimal noise.
I often cover my ears when I hear the siren of an emergency service vehicle (i.e. ambulance).
When I hear somebody shout suddenly, it is as if the voice of the person shouting goes into my body and I feel overwhelmed very quickly.
There are times when I buy ear plugs in order to reduce the intensity of the noise when I am outside. Thankfully, these days, I also have things like an audio book collection and YouTube on my smartphone with earphones so I can listen to music when I am travelling.
What are the signs?
Although temporary, the signs of auditory sensory overload become obvious after a few attempts to communicate with the person in question due to a louder than average environment.
- "Shut Down" a period of inability to respond to one's environment or to other people.
- Increased anxiety (sometimes even panic attacks)
- Short and heavy breathing.
How does it affect my life?
To cut a long story short, I avoid going to places where I know that there is going to be a lot of noise like discos and nightclubs. This had made dating extremely difficult for me as those are the most common places for trying to find a partner. Personally, I would rather meet my date in a dining place like a restaurant and a cafe when there would be only minimal noise.
I often cover my ears when I hear the siren of an emergency service vehicle (i.e. ambulance).
When I hear somebody shout suddenly, it is as if the voice of the person shouting goes into my body and I feel overwhelmed very quickly.
How do I cope?
There are times when I buy ear plugs in order to reduce the intensity of the noise when I am outside. Thankfully, these days, I also have things like an audio book collection and YouTube on my smartphone with earphones so I can listen to music when I am travelling.How do I cope?
How common is it?
Among people on the Autistic spectrum, Auditory Sensory Overload is very common. It is also common for people on the spectrum to experience more than on kind of sensory overload.What are the other sensory overloads
Sensory overload is an over-intensity of one of the 5 senses. This means that there is a form of sensory overload for all the 5 senses. They are:Visual sensory overload: This is based on sight which means a person has sensitivity to the brightness of the environment.
Olfactory sensory overload: This is based on smell which means a person has sensitivity to strong smells.
Gustatory sensory overload: This is based on taste which means a person has sensitivity to strong tasting food or drink.
Tactile sensory overload: This is base on touch which means a person has sensitivity to external physical sensations.
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