Selective Sound Sensitivity Syndrome (4S)

[Mabel]

Wow! I am grateful for the great discussion that has ensued here. I fully expected that there may be some negative attacks as I have seen it before, but for the most part, even if people disagree with the label 4S -- Selective Sound Sensitivity Syndrome, they are trying to be helpful. Really no label is perfect. Even the term "diabetes" is referring to a set of system issues with the body and not just one easy--to define problem. Labels can be helpful in that they provide a focus to define an issue that then can be more easily addressed.

Personally--I identify with 4S or OCD to a point that I find empowering to do so. I think it is unfair to "label" people who identify with any such label as being whiners or weak. Within such a group--there are a diversity of ways to view life. If one feels that they are over-identifying with a negative aspect of being part of the YAHOO group for example, then they can choose to tune out for a while. This is what I do. I have sometimes found myself feeling more aggressive to gum chewers because I found other people who hate gum as much as I do--but that is a choice I made. I have misused a perfectly good resource when I do this.

When I found the YAHOO group, I called Dr. Johnson up and she was very kind and empathetic, but I don't think the conversation went anything like some of the people who personally attacked her here would imagine. In no way was she encouraging me to take on a victim mentality. She encourages proactivity and is very focused having this issue researched. She did not just make up a term out of the blue. She saw something over and over in her practice and decided to be proactive about it. In my book, that is being observant and responsible. I am grateful.

[Angela]

Originally Posted by Mabel

I think it is unfair to "label" people who identify with any such label as being whiners or weak.

If you label yourself as a disordered person -- you identify yourself as being someone who automatically feels negative emotions, like anger, rage, and panic, each time they encounter a particular sound -- you are giving your power away, and declaring yourself to be a weak and powerless person. You declare that other people are in charge of your state, not you. You are programming that automatic reaction in each time you declare that it is who you are, just the way that Pavlov programmed his dogs to salivate every time they heard the sound of the tuning fork.

That doesn't mean you ARE a weak and powerless person; it only means you're viewing yourself that way. It can occur as whiny when a clearly powerful person pretends to be powerless, and even that doesn't mean anything about you except what you make it mean. And it has an impact on others, despite the appearance of that impact not being fair.

SSSS is a label for a set of doings. If what you're doing isn't working well for you, you can do something else, if you choose to.

[Mabel]

Thanks for your perspective Angela and for all the tools and suggestions you offer. I do not label myself as a disordered person. I believe I am a full and whole human being just the way I am. I also remain open to ridding myself of my sensitivity in an instant while at the same time I do not insist upon it.

Most of what you say resonates with me but my perspective on few things is different. I do believe there is a lot that is possible but this is fact a complex set of multiple issues--some with neurological causes and certainly that result in secondary psychological issues. Regardless of the root cause I feel that we are far from powerless to deal with this issue that we refer to as Selective Sound Sensitivity Syndrome. The label is a helpful tool to me it---I do not choose to give away my power to it. Also--I don't find a request such as "I am sensitive and I would appreciate it if you would choose not to chew gum around me" to be unreasonable. We are social creatures and it is perfectly reasonable to inform people that their behavior is triggering an unpleasant reaction in us.

[Angela]

Originally Posted by Mabel

The label is a helpful tool to me it---I do not choose to give away my power to it.

That's great -- I see you as a very powerful person, not a weakling. When a person says, "I automatically feel (anger/rage/panic) every time (something in my environment happens)," it's self-hypnosis -- self-programming. That's why I don't prefer such labels.

Also--I don't find a request such as "I am sensitive and I would appreciate it if you would choose not to chew gum around me" to be unreasonable. We are social creatures and it is perfectly reasonable to inform people that their behavior is triggering an unpleasant reaction in us.

I don't think that's unreasonable, either. I also don't think it's unreasonable for someone to decline to adapt their behavior to your preferences and reactions, or that it's unfair if such a request occurs for them as whiny. If your reaction to another person's declination to behave in a way that you prefer is one that feels bad, you have the power to transform that bad feeling -- it's your business and responsibility, not theirs.

[Mabel]

Originally Posted by Angela

I don't think that's unreasonable, either. I also don't think it's unreasonable for someone to decline to adapt their behavior to your preferences and reactions, or that it's unfair if such a request occurs for them as whiny. If your reaction to another person's declination to behave in a way that you prefer is one that feels bad, you have the power to transform that bad feeling -- it's your business and responsibility, not theirs.

Everyone has the right to their choices. If they choose to label me as whiny then they will need to deal with the consequences of doing so. I feel a lot of judgement in how you view people who make such requests and this is one area that I no not agree with you. If I were doing something that offended someone, I would want to know about it.

[Angela]

Originally Posted by Mabel

Everyone has the right to their choices. If they choose to label me as whiny then they will need to deal with the consequences of doing so.

That is so.

I feel a lot of judgement in how you view people who make such requests and this is one area that I no not agree with you. If I were doing something that offended someone, I would want to know about it.

No judgement; I'm not sure what you're disagreeing with. As I mentioned, I agree with you that it's perfectly reasonable to request that others accommodate your preferences. Some people, like you, will be glad to know they're doing something that bugs you, and they'll change their behavior, or they won't. Others will be offended by your asking, or think you're whiny; still others won't care one way or the other and will simply chew gum or not chew gum (or whatever) according to what works well for them, regardless of your preference. I wouldn't consider any of these responses wrong or bad or unfair - I don't judge the asker or the person being asked, for taking their right action.

[Mabel]

Originally Posted by Angela

That is so.


No judgement; I'm not sure what you're disagreeing with.

Hi Angela,

I wrote two articles which illustrate in detail my beliefs regarding allowing other people to make their choices as well as how I determine who is in my club. I will not get in the way of another making their choice, however if someone has made the decision to show distain towards my request, there are not in my club. It feels better to be around people who care about how I feel. That simple.

I wrote these articles in order to empower people to really think about the very issue we are discussing here. I believe a request can be made in a very whiny way or a very powerful way. The energy and intention behind the request is at least as important as the request itself. Same with the response to the request.

[Angela]

Originally Posted by Mabel

Hi Angela,

I wrote two articles which illustrate in detail my beliefs regarding allowing other people to make their choices as well as how I determine who is in my club. I will not get in the way of another making their choice, however if someone has made the decision to show distain towards my request, there are not in my club. It feels better to be around people who care about how I feel. That simple.

I wrote these articles in order to empower people to really think about the very issue we are discussing here. I believe a request can be made in a very whiny way or a very powerful way. The energy and intention behind the request is at least as important as the request itself. Same with the response to the request.

I think what's important is the results you get.

For instance, let's say you're in a social setting, and you apply your strategy:

Because my strong aversion to gum chewing is unusual, it warrants explaining to people that I associate with that this behavior hurts me and that I understandably equate someone’s choice to chew gum around me as being disrespectful if I have informed them about my social sensitivity.

You tell your friend that she's certainly free to chew gum, but it to you it will mean that she's disrespectful and not in your club anymore. That's the consequence of her choosing to continue to chew gum around you; you'll disengage. She'll either value being a member of your club enough to change her behavior or she won't; no great loss for you to lose a member of your club who is committed to being disrespectful to you.

But what if you're in a situation where such boundaries are not easily enforced? For instance, the CGW, or another seminar, on an airplane, or any public gathering. You're in a situation where you want to get value, with a group of people whose interest in your club varies from high to nonexistent, and you make a request for someone to stop chewing gum. They may not give a hoot about being in your club, and there you are, stuck in a situation where you're feeling disrespected AND furious or panicky -- really NOT okay -- and powerless to do anything about it except try to find a spot where your discomfort is minimized, or leave, which could be a problem if you're on an airplane, or if you've paid to participate in a seminar or other gathering.

So what do you do?

[Mabel]

Originally Posted by Angela

But what if you're in a situation where such boundaries are not easily enforced? For instance, the CGW, or another seminar, on an airplane, or any public gathering. You're in a situation where you want to get value, with a group of people whose interest in your club varies from high to nonexistent, and you make a request for someone to stop chewing gum. They may not give a hoot about being in your club, and there you are, stuck in a situation where you're feeling disrespected AND furious or panicky -- really NOT okay -- and powerless to do anything about it except try to find a spot where your discomfort is minimized, or leave, which could be a problem if you're on an airplane, or if you've paid to participate in a seminar or other gathering.

So what do you do?

Great questions Angela. You get to the heart of what can be so difficult about this problem. Of course there is the A side to any challenge that we have to face. I certainly handle such situations much better than I used to and I have grown stronger in many ways for doing so. The same concept of being in my club applies even with strangers--of course to a lower degree of involvement. I still make requests--some are honored and some or not. Either way I am left in a better emotional state than if I wanted to make the request but did not. Sometimes I choose not to say anything. I have been successful with some mind techniques to deal with situations such as airplanes. I will give you an example of one of the many practices I use on the airplane:

Of course I am wearing my headphones and listening to music. But I practice sending empathy to other people on the airplane who I sense are feeling uncomfortable. For example one time there was a man who was really freaking out because a child was screaming on the plane. Given how difficult the softer sounds were for me, a child screaming is very simple for me to take--it is a very light weight. So I took my focus off my own discomfort and sent my empathy to the man.

At CGW--I sat away from others when I needed to--so there are different ways I can choose to take care of myself.

One note about airplanes--they can be the hardest for me to deal with because I don't like being trapped in close quarters with people who do their thing--unconsciously or not caring that this is not the privacy of their own home. Along with chewing gum people change diapers on the seat, recline their seats too far, pick their nose etc--you get the idea. I used to take anti-anxiety medication to deal with it all but when I moved to a healthy high raw vegetarian lifestyle I also decided to also give up all pharmaceutical and over the counter drugs. I do take some natural stuff. This meant I had to re-learn how to deal with this w/o the help of any medication. So I am not always perfect but I feel better about suffering a little more in the name of dealing with it more naturally. I believe the ultimate solution is to clean up the body and retrain the brain. I have tried hypnosis, acupuncture and many other things and the cumulative affect of the many things I try have helped me immensely. In fact I used to have a pretty moderate to severe case of OCD and now I would say it is mild.

With the sounds sensitivity I have eliminated my fear of certain sounds and lessened my sensitivity as well. I realize that the chewing gum is now more mental than it is sounds sensitive because I now have developed a dislike for the site and smell of it as well. But even with gum, I am better than I used to be just two years ago. I would like to get rid of this issue immediately like you say. It is hard to imagine since I have had this type of problem my whole life but I am very open to the concept.

[Mabel]

Oh-yeah--I wanted to address another toughie--what about the requests children in school make when they are bothered by a sound?

Scenario: A child cannot stand being in the classroom because her classmates chew gum. She is scared to confront them because kids can be so cruel and use this type of information against you.

This is a real type of scenario that is brought up in the YAHOO sound sensitive group.

If the child brings this to the attention of the teacher and/or her parents, I believe the school should accommodate and request that students do not chew gum in the classroom. Same if a child is bothered by the sound of food being eaten in the classroom. Another reasonable accommodation would be to allow the child to sit a little removed from the other students.

I also believe that it is easier to address 4S when you are younger so that is when they should be taught CBT for coping with it in an empowering manner and try brain retraining techniques. Talk therapy can be worse then useless for children and sometimes reward-exposure therapy can be downright harmful. I really believe that children with 4S could benefit from assertiveness training so that they learn from a young age how to powerfully advocate for themselves without being aggressive or submissive.

[Angela]

I can't tell you how many times clients have been astonished by their ability to release things like this in an instant -- myself included!

Again, for a deeply emotionally-based problem, that "instant" moment may take a couple of hours first to examine the deeply unconscious beliefs, positive purpose or secondary gain, and habitual thought patterns that run it, and to release them and the negative emotions that go with them. Even that process, though, is relatively quick -- half a day or so.

By the way, please don't think I'm suggesting that you shouldn't request that others accommodate your sensitivities. Rather, I'm recommending that you don't rely on that as your means of feeling good and eliminating your suffering -- or, especially, to think thoughts about others if they don't comply that will leave you feeling uncontrollably bad.

[Mabel]

Originally Posted by Angela

I can't tell you how many times clients have been astonished by their ability to release things like this in an instant -- myself included!

Again, for a deeply emotionally-based problem, that "instant" moment may take a couple of hours first to examine the deeply unconscious beliefs, positive purpose or secondary gain, and habitual thought patterns that run it, and to release them and the negative emotions that go with them. Even that process, though, is relatively quick -- half a day or so.

By the way, please don't think I'm suggesting that you shouldn't request that others accommodate your sensitivities. Rather, I'm recommending that you don't rely on that as your means of feeling good and eliminating your suffering -- or, especially, to think thoughts about others if they don't comply that will leave you feeling uncontrollably bad.

Indeed--this is a multi-faceted issue that needs to be dealt with on all levels. Thus I am open to taking action to help myself and at the same time I feel perfectly able to advocate for myself.

You mentioned before to go to an NLP provider. But who do you know of or how does one go about finding the particular practitioner that can deal with this in an adult who has had this since childhood?

Many in the 4S community have tried so many things that they can be reluctant to try yet another thing. Through my own experience I know it is very possible to try 20 things that do not work but then encounter one or two things that really do work.

[Angela]

I like this Edison quote: "Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."

If you are truly committed to being at cause in generating a solution, why would you be reluctant to continue to focus on solution, and try something else?

I would say that if a person finds herself saying something along the lines of, "See? I knew that wouldn't work." or "I keep trying and trying, and nothing works!" -- she almost certainly has some secondary gain running her, and until she unconceals it and resolves it, like finding another way to satisfy that need or letting go of the need altogether, she's right -- nothing will work. Or more accurately -- everything works perfectly to keep her problem in place. The problem itself is the result she wants; she just doesn't realize that consciously.

The really helpful thing about enrolling the assistance of an NLP practitioner to help you generate solution is that if you do have something going on like that, an unconscious purpose for the problem that you haven't been willing to let go of, the practitioner will guide you to seeing it for yourself, if you're willing, and to burst out of the box you've had yourself in. (Of course, not everyone is willing! The people who aren't willing are pretty easy to spot -- the Whiner Family -- "Diverticuloooosis!!!") If you encounter a person who has tried 20 things and has gotten ZERO results, you can be pretty sure that person is not generating dynamic willingness, and that's what's missing before ANY modality would be worth trying.

How do you find a practitioner? If you don't have a personal recommendation, try the Internet! You can get a pretty good idea of the practitioner's approach from their website: are they very practical, left brained, or new age woo wooo, or gentle tender nursey healthcarey, or whatever appeals to you. Then call a few, and get a sense of them, see if you're willing to trust them, give them a chance to help you get yourself into an insightful state (lean into it). Then choose.

For very bold souls who have sound sensitivity and are 100% totally ready and dynamically willing to resolve the problem, I also highly recommend doing the Landmark Forum and Advanced Course. This is not for wimpy pussballs, though! It will probably be VERY confronting -- a supercharged weekend for people who are ready to be totally at cause in their lives, and generate solution FAST. There will be people chewing gum and making all manner of irritating noises in there, so don't do it if you're feeling like too much of a delicate flower, and aren't willing to boldly generate change for yourself.

[Mabel]

Originally Posted by Angela

I like this Edison quote: "Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."

If you are truly committed to being at cause in generating a solution, why would you be reluctant to continue to focus on solution, and try something else?

I would say that if a person finds herself saying something along the lines of, "See? I knew that wouldn't work." or "I keep trying and trying, and nothing works!" -- she almost certainly has some secondary gain running her, and until she unconceals it and resolves it, like finding another way to satisfy that need or letting go of the need altogether, she's right -- nothing will work. Or more accurately -- everything works perfectly to keep her problem in place. The problem itself is the result she wants; she just doesn't realize that consciously.

The really helpful thing about enrolling the assistance of an NLP practitioner to help you generate solution is that if you do have something going on like that, an unconscious purpose for the problem that you haven't been willing to let go of, the practitioner will guide you to seeing it for yourself, if you're willing, and to burst out of the box you've had yourself in. (Of course, not everyone is willing! The people who aren't willing are pretty easy to spot -- the Whiner Family -- "Diverticuloooosis!!!") If you encounter a person who has tried 20 things and has gotten ZERO results, you can be pretty sure that person is not generating dynamic willingness, and that's what's missing before ANY modality would be worth trying.

How do you find a practitioner? If you don't have a personal recommendation, try the Internet! You can get a pretty good idea of the practitioner's approach from their website: are they very practical, left brained, or new age woo wooo, or gentle tender nursey healthcarey, or whatever appeals to you. Then call a few, and get a sense of them, see if you're willing to trust them, give them a chance to help you get yourself into an insightful state (lean into it). Then choose.

For very bold souls who have sound sensitivity and are 100% totally ready and dynamically willing to resolve the problem, I also highly recommend doing the Landmark Forum and Advanced Course. This is not for wimpy pussballs, though! It will probably be VERY confronting -- a supercharged weekend for people who are ready to be totally at cause in their lives, and generate solution FAST. There will be people chewing gum and making all manner of irritating noises in there, so don't do it if you're feeling like too much of a delicate flower, and aren't willing to boldly generate change for yourself.

Hi Angela,

Very well put. Yes I feel that people give up too easily. For me the 20 doors I went down started as a young child when my parents took me to one psychiatrist after another. Then there were the other practitioners such as the neurologists and even a drug study for OCD and so on. Yet when I explored other things on my own, I had much success so I certainly believe the solution is out there. I want to get to it w/o going through the wringer again. The most direct solution sounds the most intelligent to me.

It seems that I do not want to give up on the chewing gum issue. An occupational therapist I worked with a couple years ago said as much and I agree with her. I would like to find a practitioner that can get to the heart of the matter. I have never worked with anyone who said that they may need to work with me for half a day to get the problem eliminated. So that is why I would like to find out as many characteristics of a practitioner who is likely to be successful as I possibly can. From what you said so far it seems that there is some personal taste involved--eg. if I am new agey, I may be more open to someone who is new agey. But are there certain criteria that would signal that they may be the real deal? For example find an NLP practitioner that:

*says the process may take several hours to uncover the deepest point of resistance.
*has worked with people with phobias or limiting beliefs

Anything else to add to this list as minimum criteria?

As far as Landmark--when I took it --yes it was deeply confronting in the area of gum chewing. Like other seminars I have taken--I got through it. Somehow I was able to calm down more in the actual first forum--I felt more hypnotized--than I was in the actual subject matter seminars that followed. I believe the main benefit regarding the Landmark Forum that I receive regarding the sound problem was it the first time I truly challenged the belief that "I will always have this problem to some degree, even if I find a way to improve it". I no longer accept that as true although clearly some part of me has not taken the action to rid myself of it entirely. I have mixed feelings about the Landmark Forum in that I think they have a very powerful technology and powerful way of languaging important concepts but I do not like their marketing practices thus I personally would prefer a different way of confronting my problem head on.

Interesting synchronicity---I checked FB before I checked this thread and I had 555 FB friends and 555 views to this thread. Yup the new agey stuff appeals to me.

[Angela]

Hey there. Well, first off, I would recommend reframing that a little bit, from "finding a practitioner who can get to the heart of the matter" to "choosing a practitioner who you're willing to trust as an assistant in helping ME get to the heart of the matter."

The best results are gotten when you are 100% responsible and at cause, rather than thinking of the practitioner (of any kind, not just NLP) as being the source of resolution of your issue.

It really has a lot less to do with the person you choose, and everything to do with your fully choosing. You know what I mean? That itself can sometimes be something people resist -- and letting go of resistance itself can be a source of new choice, freedom and power. That's why I recommend looking for a practitioner (of any modality, not just NLP) with whom you're in rapport, whom you're willing to fully trust. (There are a LOT of new agey NLP practitioners, so I think you'll have an abundance to choose from.) I wouldn't choose a practitioner who didn't offer a free phone consultation, so that you can get a pretty good sense of the rapport there.

If I were you, I'd make use of the forums for exploring the deepest point of your resistance to giving up your aversion and phobia. You could go at your own rate, without worrying about the money you're spending, with a bunch of people who are pulling for you to succeed! Then if you need it, releasing it with the help of a practitioner will be quick and easy, or you could keep going on with a little help from your friends -- here and at CGW.

[Mabel]

Originally Posted by Angela

Hey there. Well, first off, I would recommend reframing that a little bit, from "finding a practitioner who can get to the heart of the matter" to "choosing a practitioner who you're willing to trust as an assistant in helping ME get to the heart of the matter."

The best results are gotten when you are 100% responsible and at cause, rather than thinking of the practitioner (of any kind, not just NLP) as being the source of resolution of your issue.

Indeed Angela! I slipped a little there. Thanks for the more empowering reframe. It is more truthful than the way I stated it.

It really has a lot less to do with the person you choose, and everything to do with your fully choosing. You know what I mean? That itself can sometimes be something people resist -- and letting go of resistance itself can be a source of new choice, freedom and power. That's why I recommend looking for a practitioner (of any modality, not just NLP) with whom you're in rapport, whom you're willing to fully trust. (There are a LOT of new agey NLP practitioners, so I think you'll have an abundance to choose from.) I wouldn't choose a practitioner who didn't offer a free phone consultation, so that you can get a pretty good sense of the rapport there.

Yes--I need to feel comfortable with them-- I do think there are people out there who are far more competent than others. For example a couple of years ago I met with a psychologist who specialized in OCD and she was great! Much better than any I had ever had. Yes--the phone consult is a good plan--when I get to that stage. It is certainly good advice for people like me who prefer not to see a million practitioners but screen it down to one.

If I were you, I'd make use of the forums for exploring the deepest point of your resistance to giving up your aversion and phobia. You could go at your own rate, without worrying about the money you're spending, with a bunch of people who are pulling for you to succeed! Then if you need it, releasing it with the help of a practitioner will be quick and easy, or you could keep going on with a little help from your friends -- here and at CGW.

I have made an amazing amount of progress over the last week or so. A couple of years ago I greatly minimized my discomfort from breathing sounds by engaging in controlled self-exposure. Now I am applying that to chewing gum because I feel ready so I gave up some resistance where before I was having a really strong reaction. My feeling is that I am better off weakening the walls of resistance and then working with a practitioner when my own intuition gives me the green light. I feel it is a matter of getting in front of the right people and inviting in the right kind of assistance...like what we are doing here on the forums.

[Mabel]

Originally Posted by reiki717

THANK YOU! I am very sound sensitive and just today I discovered this thread. Going to check out your pages tonight when I get home.

Good luck Lindsay! I hope you find what you need here and with the other resources that are available!

[Mabel]

Originally Posted by votoshka

Hey WOW! This is me!!! I thought I was just an annoyingly picky person... I personally don't let my kids chew gum... why? Cause it drives me NUTS!

My husband has a weird nose and it's always blocked so he's a heavy breather... the sound drives me INSANE... when he's home I have to listen to my ipod all night so I can't hear him.

I also react badly to hiccuping. I know it's not someone's fault when they hiccup...I know it... but OMG I hate it!

Eating sounds are also annoying. It's not bad when I'm eating, but having to sit there and listen to other people eat is hellish.

The noise of the cat washing is also vexing...and I adore my cat, I really do...but the washing noise really really bugs me...

Wow, now I get to vent about all these things that I thought just annoyed me cause I was fussy!!

I could go on about other sounds that annoy the absoloute heck out of me, but you get the picture

Yep, I get the picture! It was a heck of a realization for me to discover other people who could fully understand what I was going through! Also there really are methods you can use to advocate for yourself and lessen the discomfort. I am even flirting with the concept of eliminating it!

[Mabel]

As you can imagine, there are many conditions that are related to or look like Selective Sound Sensitivity Syndrome. For example, Sensory Processing Disorder was discussed on this thread. Here is an article that was sent to the YAHOO support group that references 4S and misophonia (fear of sounds).

ADVANCE for Hearing Practice Management


4S and misophonia are not the same thing because people with 4S have aversion to certain sounds, not all sounds.

[RichardM]

For clarity I would like to correct the comments that were made about me:

1. I have an education but have deferred from University studies to take care of my parents. Both have been diagnosed with life threatening conditions.

2. I am also studying a diploma of remedial massage to keep myself active while deferred from University

3. I work full time for a global commercial real estate company

4. I am a sole trader of one business and in partnership of another.

In regards to the name 4s or Selective Sound Sensitivity Syndrome, I, like many others on the yahoo site, don't actually care too much for the label, we are just looking for a cure. As the Yahoo group has over a 1000 members I believed that this "condition" may be more widely spread than a few isolated cases, I found it interesting that we all presented with the same symptoms and felt that setting up a public website to generate interest in the topic would be a good idea.

I have set up the website as a tool to increase awareness and raise funds for a cure.

All money raised from any sales on that website go directly back into the system to keep the site running and help raise awareness and funds for some serious research. If the site doesn't make any sales, I will keep it running out of my own pocket.

I have dealt with Dr J on numerous occasions and have found her to be nothing other than polite and reasonable.

Now all of that defensive nonsense is out of the way, I can say something a little more positive.

Angela,

I was very interested to read your posts and found the information you have supplied to be useful. I am always looking for new ways to try and unlearn this behaviour, have you read "A Brain That Changes Itself" ? I think you would find it very interesting. I have read a lot on NLP as well as brainwave entrainment CBT. Also I have read up on EMDR for PTSD like symptoms that can occur along side this condition. It is my hope that we can all unlearn our reaction to the sounds, sights and sensations, and although I agree with some of your posts, I believe there may be some people who have a particular type of brain, one that is more likely to latch onto particular stimuli in a negative way. There very well may be two answers to what we deal with, 1. as mentioned previously, our brains latch onto stimuli and become overloaded and 2. we have learned our negative reaction and our continued reinforcement of this learned behaviour is a slippery slope.

If this is the case, then hopefully research will be able to identify the latching component and switch it off, until then it is up to us to empower ourselves to work on our issues and control them rather then our issues controlling us.

Although the site is new, I would encourage you to join the forums and post your view point and useful information as you have done here, I just ask you to please respect that there are those who hold this condition as a sore spot so please walk with respect and care.

Selective Sound Sensitivity Syndrome Forum

I would also be interested in adding your tips as a article on the main web page under the cure section. Would you feel comfortable with that?

Lastly, I personally believe we are not going to get over this by talking about it, we need to take massive action and we need to ensure that we are aiming in the right direction. If we use the right tools we stand a much better chance of a positive outcome than if we remain static, in essence I hope that this website allows people with this condition to firstly realise they are not alone and secondly to learn coping methods and techniques.

[Angela]

Hi, RichardM -- yes, great book! Loved it.

I probably won't be joining your forums, but I'm fine with you re-printing anything I've written. Would appreciate a link to my site for people who would like NLP/hypnosis help with their issue.

Thanks, and best wishes to you. You're clearly someone who wants to make a big positive difference.

[Mabel]

Originally Posted by RichardM

For clarity I would like to correct the comments that were made about me:

1. I have an education but have deferred from University studies to take care of my parents. Both have been diagnosed with life threatening conditions.

2. I am also studying a diploma of remedial massage to keep myself active while deferred from University

3. I work full time for a global commercial real estate company

4. I am a sole trader of one business and in partnership of another.

Thanks for your post Richard. The instigator of the untrue comments was banned but it is great to see you post the truth. The more sources of good information we put out there, the easier it will be to reach out to others who do not need to go through this alone. I agree that whether or not we like the label 4S, it is useful as a focal point to raise awareness and take massive action towards having this issue researched. At one point I pour over the information at the NIH rare diseases program and a big part of why they study these type cases is because the finding of such studies rarely only benefit the people with a certain class of overlapping symptoms, but rather discoveries are made that lend understanding more general issues that affect a large group of people. I could easily see that getting to the root of 4S would yield useful and actionable information about many of the more widely accepted conditions that are associated with 4S.