Anyone else REALLY sensitive to noise?

[Mcvj]

Bit of a strange one this, and I'm quite certain it's more of a mental issue rather than my ears being too sensitive...

Basically, I can get very irritated by strange/continuous/unnecessary noises. It can cause problems because no-one else can comprehend my views towards it.

My dad used to be very stressed at work when I was growing up and he was very particular about noise in the house (I still struggle to eat an apple without being aware of the noise I make). I sometimes look at people with complete aghast because I can't understand how they are not aware of the noise they produce. One guy in particular swills all liquids in his mouth before swallowing, makes me feel sick. I can't be around someone at work because he breaths through his mouth and sounds like Darth Vader!

I can get really frustrated at home if the TV is on and people talk over it if they have to raise their voice. Just mute the TV and speak normally! Or don't try to shout me when I'm in another room and the TV is on. I really can't comprehend more than one thing happening at once and I just end up getting really irritated, like all I can hear is a loud noise cant decipher.

I'm also susceptible to being jumpy too, they laugh at work because they need to announce their intent to approach my desk. At least 3 times a day I will be shocked out of my skin by a noise - it's horrible!

What the hell is this? Is this common because my friends treat me like a bit of a freak! Could it just be stress like my dad?

Thanks xx

[erin-x]

I don't particularly get really annoyed or frustrated at noises and sounds. I do hear a lot of things that other people don't. That sounds funny but I mean like I can hear the tap dripping in the kitchen when the tv is on full blast and I once had to take my mums watch downstairs one night as I could hear it ticking from the other room! I'm like this with smell as well. I'm just weird I guess lol!

The only sound that really annoys me is my own breathing when I try to sleep.. especially if my nose starts to whistle or something :|

[bushbaby_de]

I'm exactly the same. Really loud music also makes me feel really claustrophobic because I can't hear what's going on around me - I get almost agressive in Blockbuster because the loud music makes me feel so uncomfortable. It's really odd.