Techniques to Alleviate Auditory Sensitivity

[thirtysomething1970]

Hi,

I have recently been diagnosed with Aspergers. I have a particular sensitvity to people continually coughing and sniffing. The noise really irritates me and makes me lose my concentration. Is there any techniques I can learn so that I can learn to "tune out" the noise?

There is someone in my office who constantly coughs and sniffs. My therapist has given me a letter for me to give to my manager, so that she can find a quiet area for me to sit, but says there's nothing he can do to help me cope better with the noise. i can't believe this. Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks,

 

[Retired]

Thirty....

Are you working with or have you ever been referred to an Occupational Therapist? These are specialists who can help you deal with sensory processing issues.

Have a look at the website of the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation to see if some of their resources might be helpful.

Another resource might be Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) which lists the following:

Signs Of Auditory Dysfunction: (no diagnosed hearing problem)

1. Hypersensitivity To Sounds (Auditory Defensiveness):

__ distracted by sounds not normally noticed by others; i.e., humming of lights or refrigerators, fans, heaters, or clocks ticking

__ fearful of the sound of a flushing toilet (especially in public bathrooms), vacuum, hairdryer, squeaky shoes, or a dog barking

__ started with or distracted by loud or unexpected sounds

__ bothered/distracted by background environmental sounds; i.e., lawn mowing or outside construction

__ frequently asks people to be quiet; i.e., stop making noise, talking, or singing

__ runs away, cries, and/or covers ears with loud or unexpected sounds

__ may refuse to go to movie theaters, parades, skating rinks, musical concerts etc.

__ may decide whether they like certain people by the sound of their voice

How is Sensory Processing Disorder Treated? | SPD Foundation

Hopefully your employer can help you and /or the person with the sniff / cough find a way that both you you can function without interfering with one another.