Noise sensitivity

A condition in which sounds that most people find tolerable are experienced as disproportionately distressing, overwhelming, or physically painful. Noise sensitivity exists on a spectrum from mild annoyance to extreme pain, and is common among neurodivergent individuals (particularly those with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing differences), as well as people with misophonia, hyperacusis, traumatic brain injury, and PTSD. Management involves environmental control (avoidance, noise cancellation, sound masking) and personal regulation strategies (coping techniques, boundary-setting), with awareness of triggers and thresholds being foundational to effective management.