This is the #25 edition of our My Misophonia Story series. This week features Julie (45) from Canada. Each week we’ll feature a new reader story, so if you’d like to share yours, please drop us a line. Lori, take it away…
Where are you from?
Canada
What do you do for a living?
I’ve been a licensed hair stylist for 26 years, but only do it in the side, I’ve been a full time Animal shelter worker for the passed 24 years.
What are you passionate about / what are your hobbies?
I’m a huge music fan, (Rock / heavy metal) and go to a ton of concerts. I also love to read, and am obsessed with my dog and cat.
How old were you when you first realised you had an issue with certain sounds?
Probably 14 or so.
When did you first find out it was called misophonia?
About 8 years ago. I stumbled upon a show similar to 20/20 and they did a segment on it. I couldn’t believe it was actually a “thing” for years I thought I was just a bitch!
What are your 3 biggest triggers?
Food/ drink swallowing…high heels clicking on certain types of flooring, and people scraping yogurt or pudding cups grrr!!! ( Hard to narrow it down to just three lol).
Do you have any other sensory quirks?
Visuals of certain triggers get me, like when my husband drinks pop from a bottle and I have ear buds in. I can’t hear it, but seeing it still makes me cringe. I’m affected by smells too.
Have you told other people about your misophonia and if so what was their reaction?
Anyone I HAVE told seems to be pretty understanding. My poor husband especially since he is my biggest trigger lol. I haven’t told him all of my triggers, just some. I don’t want him to have to walk on eggshells around me! Ironically, the hearing doc was the one who understood it the least amount. He just kept trying to talk me into medicinal marijuana lol.
What’s your funniest/most ridiculous misophonia-related moment?
Recently my Husband was eating Doritos and I was trying to deal but couldn’t. I subtly put in my ear bud so that he could continue eating. He saw me and said “is that because I’m eating so loud?”
Normally I might try to spare his feelings and say no, but it was so bad that I said yes. He said ” I just realized that I must sound like I’m chewing bricks, sorry!” He cracked us both up because that’s exactly how he sounded!
What helps you to cope with your misophonia?
At home I use wireless Bluetooth ear buds with whitenoise playing. They definitely take the edge off. I saw a hearing doctor who was ordering me the whitenoise hearing aids to try. I haven’t heard back from him and hesitate to call him since he said they are around $4000… which I don’t have lol. So far the ear buds are helping somewhat.
What are you misophonic superpowers?
I can’t say I have found anything positive about misophonia lol.
What’s the single most useful piece of misophonia related advice you’ve learnt?
Mostly, it was when I actually learned it was really a thing, and not just me!
What’s your very best life hack?
The only effective way to de skunk a stinky skunk loving German Shepherd is to combine peroxide, dish soap and baking soda! My dog was sprayed by skunks NINE times in 8 years, and tomato juice doesn’t work at all.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fellow misophones?
For those bothered by snoring, I bought a wireless Bluetooth headband (like ones people use when jogging). I use it at night mostly for relaxation (I play new age music through them and it helps me sleep). When I have it on, I can’t hear ANYTHING so it might help some block out snoring (which thankfully isn’t one of my triggers!)
And finally! The quick fire round…
Favourite place you’ve visited:
Vegas! My husband and I got married there on Halloween
Favourite song:
Heaven and Hell – Black Sabbath
Favourite book:
Octagon Magic – Andre Norton
Favourite work of art:
Midsummer Eve – Edward Robert Hughes 🙂
5 things you couldn’t live without:
My son, family, pets, music/concerts, air conditioning!!
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