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A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Vancouver, BC

I wear my sun glasses most of the times. I wear ear plugs when it's possible. How do u manage noise sensitivity in social events, while shopping or in restaurants?

July 31, 2023
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Answer Summary

Members shared deeply relatable experiences with light and noise sensitivity, with many describing how crowded stores, loud restaurants,... Read more

Members shared deeply relatable experiences with light and noise sensitivity, with many describing how crowded stores, loud restaurants, fluorescent lighting, and even movie theaters trigger headaches, dizziness, vertigo, and exhaustion that can require days of recovery. Several members offered practical strategies that have helped them cope, including wearing darker prescription sunglasses or transitional lenses, using specialized earplugs like Loop Engage or Flare to dampen overwhelming sounds, shopping online or during off-peak hours, and seeking out quieter environments like farm markets or neighborhoods with less traffic. A recurring theme was the invisible emotional toll of managing these sensitivities in social settings, including the difficulty of explaining the pain to others, the guilt of needing rest after outings, and the challenge of reassuring loved ones who witness the aftermath while still trying to enjoy moments of connection.

A MyFibroTeam Member

I wear my prescription Ray-Ban Sunglasses when I’m out and about (I do have transitional lenses, but the Ray-Ban's are so much darker), and have a pair of Loop Engage (https://us.loopearplugs.com/products/engage) earplugs when I’m in a loud environment, which makes the situation way more tolerable and relaxing.

August 1, 2023
A MyFibroTeam Member

Hi Tulip, I have noise and light sensitivity also, and wear transitional lenses in my glasses. I don't go to shopping centres or restaurants as I can't bear the noise, and to be truthful, can't manage walking around with people jostling me.

August 1, 2023
A MyFibroTeam Member

I cant stand alot of backround noise (white noise they call it). My husband and i sleep to the sound of ocean every nite. I wear my sunglasses alot too or i get instant headache. I cant stand smell of diesel to get behind truck or school bus bout makes me sick to stomach.

August 1, 2023
A MyFibroTeam Member

I also have tinnitus so now noise is really amplified. I live in a beach town now. My neighborhood is so nice and quiet. But People talk a lot louder in public here. I was in our local health food store the other day and the music was so loud I thought I was gonna jump out of my skin. But the manager kindly turned it down. Then I was in Whole Foods, and everyone coming in as I was coming, talking really loud. I was trying to go through the produce and everybody was like crisscrossing in front of me and around me....I almost yelled at them! I think it was the tourists for the summer, because everyone here are so polite saying excuse me and I’m sorry if they are in your space. It caused me so much distress.
@A MyFibroTeam Member
I wanted to thank you for your recommendation for the cleaning tool. I bought two of them on Amazon prime day. The other ones for my daughter who also has fibromyalgia. I’ve been using it and it’s just fabulous. Helps so much. I’m going to look into your earplugs too.

August 1, 2023 (edited)
A MyFibroTeam Member

I cant handle dunlight. Dont like brightlight. Disco lights arent fun either

August 1, 2023

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