I had a stroke 15 years ago. And just saying that will clarify the tale and give it context.
A few weeks ago, I got entangled at a Walmart birthday party. Yup. That’s right. By “entangled,” I mean in the throes of it. Ten kids were accompanied by several adults (of course, included was the mother of the birthday boy). They were all boys.
And I remember from long ago, my two boys were noisy, especially the older one, and the amount of ruckus they’d create was colossal. Girls were different, very much less rowdy with their secretive gestures and constant giggling.
Anyway, my caregiver made a wrong turn and ended up in the toy aisle. I overheard one mother talking about how generous the birthday parent was in letting them choose a toy or several toys that cost $20 or less.
First, for about 30 seconds, I enjoyed seeing the boys scavenging and watching the prices on the plasticized price card in front of each item, making boisterous noises. Then suddenly, I “lost” it, telling my caregiver I had to get out of the toy section. She understood; she’s seen it before. Using the functional arm, I covered one ear and left the aisle, visibly shaken from the mayhem.Â
So yes, both TBI (traumatic brain injury) and stroke survivors can become unnerved, overwhelmed, or even physically distressed by too much noise. This phenomenon is called hyperacusis, noise sensitivity or auditory overload in plain terms, and happens because the injured brain battles to process sensory input skillfully. But the battle is lost every time, at least with me. Noise won.
The brain usually filters out background noise, but after a stroke or TBI, this filter may not work well. This assertion means every sound feels more loud and intrusive. The brain has to work harder to process many sounds at the same time, leading to fatigue and frustration.
The amygdala, located in the medial temporal lobe, just in front of the hippocampus, the emotional center of the brain, you may react too vigorously to noise, bringing on anxiety, irritability, frustration, or even anger. So if you’re already fatigued, which I normally am in the middle of the day, noise can feel even more bothersome and ultimately intolerable.
Of course, I encountered that clamor from before. Coffee shops used to be the worst when friends congregate with each other and one is talking over the other. But that doesn’t happen anymore because I’ve identified the shops where people go and work with their laptops. I’m not anti-social; it’s necessary.
To combat the noise when it was feasible, earplugs and headphones are a must (but didn’t have them handy for the birthday ruckus). White noise or peaceful, low music helps when the loud tv or radio bothered me. If I could, I’d step away to rest my brain. Sometimes, I’d breathe deeply–in through the nose, out through the mouth–as a distraction, sort of like meditation, if I hear intense noise.
I always say, it’s what comes after the stroke that’s tough, a real bitch to battle. Vision problems, including loss of vision or blind spots, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, difficulty swallowing or speaking, pain, numbness, and/or tingling, difficulty with balance and coordination, incontinence, just to name several. And, of course, unsettling reactions to overwhelming noises, the topic of this blog post.
Amazing writing about TBI and Stroke. Very much like me, happened 2 1/4 years ago! Thank you!!
Joyce, you are a rock! You are a fountain of experiences and practical knowledge! Thank you for sharing!!! I, also, loose it when I am overwhelmed by too much goings-on (seemingly endless talking that turns into ramblings; loud music; and multiple talkers talking over each other to mention a few}. All of it boils down to pure noise. I leave the area quickly, too. I never understood why I “changed”–after my stroke. I am less tolerant of unpleasant environments. I avoid people who thrive on uncivilized or selfish behaviors. It is my coping mechanisms. I never thought about the use of ear buds or head phones. Thank you for the tip!!