I was diagnosed with ADD in July 2008. I too have problems with noise and have done for as long as I can remember and one of mine is hearing people eat. I don't know if it is because they are noisy eaters or my hearing is acute to it, but it drives me insane to say the least. Other noises/sounds are very loud music, especially if I don't like what is being played. This was made worse when I worked at a music store for Christmas last year and had to be subjected to lastest releases on a weekly basis. It almost got so bad that I almost walked out of the job twice. When I lived with my former partner he would put on cd's of bands I either didn't like, or did like but was not in the mood to listen too. This would cause problems when I turned it off as it would start an argument between us. I have to stress this happened before I was diagnosed with ADD. As for computer keyboards: I worked opposite a typist (I was the Administrator), and the constant tap tap tap of her keyboard drove me to distraction and I would have to take refuge in the ladies toilets for a few minutes. Ironically, I'm a touch typist myself but for some reason, like now, when I am typing I can't hear it. And when it comes to bedtime I have to wear ear plugs otherwise I will not be able to sleep. I have always found noise irritating. A good example: today in the parking space behind the apartment block where I live (my sitting room window overlooks this), an empty tin can was being blown by the wind. This drove me to hell and back and I closed all of my windows. I know - I could have gone out and disposed of it but I have spent the day in bed ill and I just couldn't be bothered to get dressed. I like to make my own noise as it is then controllable - I can lower or higher it or turn it off altogether.

Quote

The irritation may be related to auditory processing disorder, a comorbid condition sometimes associated with ADHD.

Sensory Processing disorder can also be associated with ADHD. So you aren't the only person who feels like this.

Good luck, Dena

Quote

Yes I can relate to this -- loud music on store speakers, screaming kids, boom cars, seems like everywhere you go there is noise! Noise and more noise! And it's not just the loud ones that distract either!

Quote

I've noticed that some noises bother me more than others and it doesn't happen all the time. It seems to happen more often when other symptoms flare up and it doesn't bother me as much when everything's well controlled. My symptoms seem to flare with stress - monthly hormonal changes, lack of food, lack of sleep, lack of water, pressure at work, worries about money, etc.

My son has ADHD too and his hyperactivity tends to come out in the form of fidgeting, which includes tapping on things. There are times when I don't even notice it's happening and there are other times when it drives me absolutely bonkers. Same thing with coworkers' typing and phone calls, chewing and crunching noises when people eat, and even the noise of the heater/air conditioner if it's not a steady drone. I hate it when the tv or radio is on low enough that you can tell it's on, but not high enough that you can hear what's happening.

This kind of thing keeps me up at night, so we use a humidifier without the water bucket to create white noise. I won't let my husband use a fan because I get cold at night, although we keep the ceiling fan on low in the summer. Plus, the humidifier is far cheaper than a "white noise" machine. I've seen those go for more than $70!

It's not just noise though...certain textures, sights, and smells give me the willies. Touching tissues, cotton balls, or wool sweaters is torture for me - I react to that the way most people react to nails on a chalkboard. Anything moving just outside my range of vision makes me crazy - including my fidgety son.

I'm very sensitive to smell too, which sucks since everyone I live with (bulldog, husband, kid) seems to have gas all the time. I can smell things like milk going sour, bread and oil going rancid, mold and mildew in the bathroom and yard (wet leaves...ick), and overripe fruit. It drives me nuts, but I can smell urine in the bathroom, no matter how much I clean it.

What's funny is that I can't taste as much as other people. I literally can't taste bitter and many foods are simply far too subtle for me to identify on taste alone.

Quote

I am new and the subject on the front page called to me. And then I read your post and all I could think was that could be me! I am not alone, there are others that have the same or similar issues as me! The first time I remmeber really having a problem was in junior high, with people eating or chewing and cracking gum. I can remember getting in soooo much trouble, when one day I was with my Dad and his family eating out and the sounds of eating (especially my father who never seemed to close his mouth) drove me to the point of sitting there with my fingers in my ears trying to block out the noise! Other noises can bother me, but NOTHING does it like eating and gum cracking.

Quote

When I am very tired and overexhausted and on the train, I get really annoyed at people sitting next to me who is making the slightest noise. I get very upset with myself because I think to myself I can be really annoying too at times. Anyhow, sometimes I want to throw somebody off the chair when they are typing away on the computer or chatting away. Most people are like "No big deal!" Interesting, on my to-do-list I have entered to get ear plugs. I feel with the ADD, I have so many issues. Now I feel not alone. I am so happy after being diagnosed with ADHD to finally belong to this website. That is how bad it is. It has takened me ten years to do the most important thing with ADD is getting support from others in which I have always needed.

Quote

Sudden, unexpected noises bother me. I find a correlation between my sensitivity to noises and the same reaction from my dog. I am also sensitive to touch.

http://www.adhd-information-exchange.com

Quote

I am glad I saw this question, as it answers a question of mine. My DH has ADD and has always complained about hearing people eat.

Quote

I have a hard time with noise also. I thought it was because my Mother hated noise too so we couldn't play our records (yes, records) loud. I really hate my mouse at work because it squeaks. My boss says hers does too but I can't hear anyone elses but mine. I also have to wear earplugs at night ever though I just moved to a place that is very quiet. Just the thought that a noise will wake me up, compells me to wear them, just in case. My ADHD son is one of those loud boys who has to make the most noise he possibly can. I don't think he's doing it on purpose but just not thinking. I don't want him to grow up thinking walking normally is wrong, so I don't fuss at him for it.

Quote

I agree that getting enough rest, exercise, meditation (or other time to yourself), and nutrition helps tremendously! What helps me after that is my "sub-clinical" dose of Effexor XR. I don't like to take a lot of medications, but just a little sure makes a difference! My doctor suggests more, but I'm sensitive to medications and too much will make me forget to do the important stuff. Good luck

Quote