Sensitivity to sound

[Gene46]

I am extremely sensitive to sound.  I "jump out of my skin" even when the phone rings.  When the thermostat in my hallway clicks on and off it wakes me up.  I have insomnia and am a very light sleeper.  I am a very high strung and anxious person.  I have always had this condition and it interferes with my life.  Can you tell me if this condition is psychological, some type of nutritional deficiency (I eat well and have tried various vitamins/minerals.), genetic or some neurological condition. (I don't have tinnitus.)  I have discussed it with several GP doctors.  They advised me that it was just my genetic make-up.  One put me on Lexipro but it had side effects and I didn't like taking pharmacuticals if I could help it.

I am hoping you can help point me in the right direction to get some relief.

Thanking you in advance.  

[jesslips13]

PLEASE try going to a chiropractor! Specifically an upper cervical chiropractor if a full body one does not completely eradicate the symptoms.  I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM and it's incredibly debilitating/made me a different person.  Seriously, I understand. I am now in school to become a chiropractor because I went to one and they literally saved my life.  Make sure you go to one that takes X-rays and a chiropractor who is specialized in neurology. There is some incredible research coming out about upper cervical subluxations and the pressure it puts on the brainstem leading to a numerous amount of symptoms.  I hope you see this even though it was so long ago that you posted! Remember that when you go see a chiropractor, you WILL feel better but you will also need to remember it takes TIME for nerves to HEAL. But trust me, there is an amazing light ahead, I promise. Hang in there. Cheers!

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Yes it is very likely a personality trait due to genetic make up. You can try alternate therapy like yoga, acupressure and acupuncture for relief from anxiety.

[Carol in PA]

Gene,
This article may help you:
Noise Sensitivity - Sensitive Hearing, The Links to Magnesium Deficiency
http://www.ctds.info/noise-sensitivity.html

Wishing you the best,
Carol

[mini_d]

Hi,

Nutritional deficiencies rarely cause symptoms that you have described. Tinnitus is a possibility, but you say that it has been ruled out. Other neurological conditions do not present with just sensitivity to sound.

If you have no defect of hearing and if you are less than 50yrs old, anxiety could be the cause, combined with your genetic make up. I would suggest that you try to decrease levels of stress and anxiety, may be go for meditation. A psychologist may also help you relieve stress.

Please get back if you have other queries.

Regards