4S - Selective Soft Sound Syndrome
Online Support Group

I am a junior in highschool. It is sooooooo tough for me to sit in classes all day. I dread going to each class having to sit by someone chewing gum or by someone writing in that special way so that their mechanical pencil squeaks. These things make it sooo hard to learn and focus. I want to know...is there anything that can help me so I can enjoy or atleast tollerate school on a daily basis????

Thanks cms

I have the same problem!!! the only way I've found to cope with the noises, or movements, of the class Room is to set down my pencil and plug my ears and close my eyes and do some deep breathing until the distractions go away then I give myself a quick pep talk and remind myself that the class will be over soon and just to focus on the next class. I know it sounds a little strange (and probably looks strange too) but it really helps me to get mind back in order and help me not to freak out. Sometimes I have to do it for 20 minutes just to put my annoyed mind to rest so I can focus on school but it's totally worth it. Good luck with school! I hope this helps at the very least just to know that some knows exactly what your going through!!! P. S. gum smacking is the worst!!!

I completely feel for you. I actually left school because of it. Now I am at a different school, and the thing I would recommend for you is noise cancelling earphones, or earplugs. Wear them. If the teacher has a problem with it, explain that it's either dropping out of school because of the misophonia impact on your ability to take in class work, or wearing earphones/ plugs and being able to stay at school. There's not much choice. Oh and if your wondering, yes, you will still be able to hear the teachers talk, it will just be enough to block out the triggers