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How noise sensitivity disrupts the mind, brain and body

Lingard

Noise sensitivity affects up to 40% of people and can cause stress, anxiety, and poor sleep, even when sounds are soft or normal. Unlike conditions like misophonia or hyperacusis, noise sensitivity is a general overreaction to everyday sounds, often due to the brain's inability to filter out background noise. This constant alertness can lead to physical and mental health issues over time. While it may be partly genetic or linked to anxiety or neurodivergent conditions, people can manage it with tools like noise-cancelling headphones, therapy, or calming activities. Most importantly, recognizing that it's a real and valid experience helps people feel less alone and more in control.

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Words you’ll meet

The words readers of this text looked up most, each with its meaning and the line it comes from.

this / ˌsɛnsɪˈtɪvɪti /noun

The state or quality of being sensitive

This sensitivity is not just about mood.

awarenessresponsivenesssusceptibility

noise / nɔɪz /noun

unwanted or disturbing sound

Scientists now understand that noise sensitivity is connected to how the brain processes sound.

soundloudnessinterference

sound / sound /noun

A sound or noise

The sound of the bell startled me.

noisetonemusic

people / ˈpiːpl̩ /noun

human beings; individuals

People were waiting outside the store.

individualspersonshumans

even / ˈiːvən /adverb

used to emphasize something unexpected or surprising

The restaurant was empty, even on a Friday night.

stillyet

sensitive / ˈsensətɪv /adjective

easily affected by something

However, people can also become sensitive after brain injuries.

susceptible

loud / laʊd /adjective

having a high intensity of sound

The music was too loud.

noisydeafening

noise sensitivity / ˈnɔɪz ˌsɛnsɪˈtɪvɪti /noun

a state of being easily annoyed or disturbed by noise

People with noise sensitivity may find it difficult to concentrate in a busy office.

misophoniahyperacusis

small / smɔl /adjective

relatively limited in size

a small car

tinylittle

not / nɑt /adverb

Negation or absence of something

These sounds are not easy to forget.

neverno

anxiety / æŋˈzaɪəti /noun

A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an event or something with an uncertain outcome

Over time, these small reactions can build up into anxiety, poor sleep, or constant stress.

worrynervousnessapprehension

others / ˈʌðərz /noun

other people

People reported more anxiety than others.

people

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