When life is too loud: what are sound sensitivities?When life is too loud: what are sound sensitivities?
All In The Mind
How do you feel as you move through a busy space — like an airport, a city street or a crowded shopping centre? For some of us, these spaces are energising — being among the rush of people and the noise of the crowds. But for others, these situations can be a little much. And for some neurodivergent people — especially those with sensory issues — being in these public spaces can be utterly overwhelming, even harmful. That's a problem when you want or need to use them just like everybody else. Today, audio engineer and producer Amelia Geiss takes you inside their mind — for a first-hand perspective of what it's like to move through public spaces as someone with sound sensitivities. We'll hear about how these sensitivities manifest in the brain — strategies for managing them — and building public spaces that are accessible for everyone. If you're looking for something to listen to next, why not check out our episode, How the drive to be perfect is linked to eating disorders.
29:36•7 Dec 2024
Living Loud: Navigating Sound Sensitivities in a Noisy World
Episode Overview
- Sound sensitivities can make everyday environments overwhelming for neurodivergent individuals.
- Noise-cancelling headphones and high-fidelity earplugs can help manage sensory overload.
- Hyperacusis and misophonia are common auditory differences in autistic people.
- Inclusive design principles can make public spaces more accessible for everyone.
- Education, validation, and stress management are key to coping with sound sensitivities.
“One of the first noises I remember being terrified of was the sound of water going down the bathtub drain”
Imagine walking through a bustling city street or a crowded shopping centre, and every sound feels like it's attacking your senses. For many neurodivergent individuals, especially those with sensory issues, this is their daily reality. In this episode of 'All In The Mind', audio engineer and producer Amelia Geiss shares her personal journey with sound sensitivities.
Amelia's vivid descriptions take you inside her mind, revealing the overwhelming nature of everyday noises and how they impact her life as an autistic person. She recounts her early experiences with sound, from the terror of water draining in the bathtub to the constant struggle with loud environments. Amelia's story is not just about her challenges but also about finding ways to cope.
She discusses the strategies she's adopted, like using noise-cancelling headphones and high-fidelity earplugs, to manage her sensory overload. The episode also features insights from Philippa James, an audiologist and researcher at the University of Melbourne, who explains the science behind sound sensitivities and the different auditory processing variances seen in autistic individuals. Philippa highlights various auditory differences, such as hyperacusis and misophonia, and offers practical advice for managing these conditions.
The conversation also touches on the importance of designing public spaces with sensory accessibility in mind. Catherine Grant and Ileana Guinness, both access consultants, discuss how universal design principles can make environments more inclusive for everyone. By the end of the episode, you'll have a deeper understanding of what it's like to live with sound sensitivities and how society can better accommodate those with these challenges.
It's an eye-opening listen that combines personal anecdotes with expert knowledge, making it a must-hear for anyone interested in neurodiversity and accessibility.
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