Sensory defensiveness

[Good Hope]

I am sorry if I misinterpreted the meaning of this forum. I do not use these forums often, which is why I am out of touch with their meanings. I have no reason to offend anyone with this post. My post was serious, but perhaps should of been put into another, more appropriate forum.

[James S]

Hi Good Hope,
I think you've posted your question in the right place, and it seems like a valid enough question.
I too have very sensitive hearing. I cannot tolerate noisy rooms like restaurants or nightclubs where everybody is trying to talk over the noise. I find it all becomes a great jumble of sound, and it hurts.

Though my hearing is very good, I often have difficulty in understanding what people are saying in noisy environments because I can't "focus" in on what they are saying over the background noise. Do you find this as well?

I have seen info in the past to do with this, and the idea of being able to do mental excercises that enable you to focus on some sounds, and close off to others. I've tried this, though not with much practice, so haven't been able to get any benefit from it yet. Otherwise I carry around a small set of earplugs.

James.

[Good Hope]

Yes, I do lose focus when I am around commotion. Unfortunately, my bedroom is above the television room, and we all know how much television american families watch!
      I am trying out this new breathing thought control excersize. To do this, you put all of your focus on your breathing. You do not think about the breathing, you just put your awareness on it. If you need more than this, count as you exhale. For example, on the first exhale, you would mentally say, without thinking about it, "ooooooooooonnnnnnnnneeeeeeeeee," then the next exhale, "twwwwwwwwwwwwoooooooooooo," and so forth.

      The immediate responses I had from this routine is I am able to stop whatever bad habit I am about to do. Whether it is watching television, eating junky foods, with practice I am now able to control those thoughts. I am able to rid myself of those thoughts. With more practice, those thoughts won't even pop up! Hope that helps when you're in crowds.
Chat with ya' later!

-Good Hope

[Good Hope]

Hi.

   I have a big problem on my hands. I have Sensory Defensiveness. In my case, it means that I am overly sensitive to sound. Please respond with any treatments to this problem. Does music therapy work. Does reiki work?

Sincerely,

Good Hope