Dear Readers – There was such a large reader response to “Rattled,” who suffers “misophonia” or extreme sound sensitivity (Sept. 14 column), that I’m publishing several “feedbacks,” for the sake of fellow sufferers of this unusual but very distressing condition.

Hopefully, it’ll also promote understanding among those who live/work with them.

Reader #1 – “My mother and I suffer from misophonia’s intolerance to certain sounds, and thanks to the Internet, we realize we're not alone.

“Every sufferer is different, so I suggest people read everything available.

“Others must wonder why we're so angry about noise – it can be chomping, crunching, slurping, whistling, tapping, rattling bags, etc. - there are so many types of irritation.

“It’s apparently a neurological problem, which results in uncontrollable rage.

“We try very hard to keep it together and not sound like kooks to our friends and family when we demand they stop their noises. Sometimes, these "noises" can ruin quality of life.
“My best advice is to purchase an excellent pair of headphones and listen to music or podcasts. Block out the noise and look away.

“Learning anti-anxiety techniques helps, too. Explain your reactions to friends and family members so they can lend support and be less noisy if possible, e.g. my husband gave up popcorn at the movies.

“Remember - Everyone makes noise and WE have to deal with it.”

Sound-Distressed, in Australia

Reader #2 – “I’ve suffered from misophonia for most of my life. As a child, I’d hold a finger on my left hand over my left ear, so that I wouldn't have to listen to my family eating beside me.

“I’ve gone up to complete strangers and handed them a tissue if they were "snot sucking" as I call it.

“I can hear that disgusting sound across an entire room and have had to change tables more times than I can count, so that the sound of a person sniffing is less obvious.

“I’ve become the queen of making excuses for why my friend and I have to switch restaurant tables. The sound of people chewing with their mouths open revolts me.

“I'm fortunate to have an extremely understanding husband, plus my one (yes, ONE) friend. These two people are the only ones who know what I go through on a daily basis.

“I can't even go to the movies with people because I'm terrified that someone will be chomping and slurping beside me, which ALWAYS happens in a theater.

“Gum chewing is not allowed around me, either.
“There’s no medication available to help people like myself. Believe me, I've searched my entire adult life.

“But there are amazing online forums, like Misophonia Digest, with hundreds of people like myself. I thought I was crazy until I found that forum, and was amazed at how many of "us" there are.

“If this is a mixed-up piece of brain circuitry, it's gone wonky in a LOT of people.
“My hope is that someone, somewhere, will find this serious enough to do research into finding out just what’s mis-wired in our brains and find a way to help us.
“People have no idea just how difficult it is to live in the world, where common sounds that others don't even hear, drive people like me almost to the point of insanity.

“My family doctor was blown away when I told her what I go through. When I said I abhorred sniffing, she said this sound doesn't even begin to register on her!”

Reader #3 – “I, too, find the sound of chewing sometimes unbearable. My poor husband has often been the victim of my quirk, and has been asked not so politely to quiet down or leave the room.

“For me, this stems from my dad being a loud chewer himself, who often spoke with a mouth full of food. I was always disgusted by this (otherwise I love and have a very good relationship with my dad).
“I personally find that the more stressed/tired/anxious I feel, the worse my intolerance for chewing.

“I’ve sought treatment for my anxiety and stress through traditional Chinese medicine, and it works exceptionally well for me through the combination of acupuncture and herbal supplements. The less stressed I feel, the less annoyed I am!”

Reader #4 – “My worst aversion is to people whistling. It causes constant nausea, headaches, and sore eyes. These physical symptoms engulf me. I’ve improved a bit with hypnosis.”