Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Fact Sheet
General facts about ADHD:
- ADHD is often linked with a heightened sensitivity to noise and other sensory stimuli.
2. Hypersensitivity, or extreme sensitivity to physical senses such as sound, touch, or smell, is associated with ADHD.
3. ADHD can exacerbate and exaggerate sensory experiences, making individuals more sensitive to taste, smell, and sound.
4. Sound sensitivity and misophonia are significant aspects of ADHD, characterized by intense, often negative reactions to specific sounds.
5. A brain with ADHD may process and experience every sensation and noise more intensely.
6. Elevated background noise has been found to be associated with symptoms of inattention in ADHD.
7. While sound sensitivity is not a symptom of ADHD, it is more common in people with attention deficit.
8. There is limited evidence supporting a direct link between misophonia and ADHD, but there is a clear connection between ADHD and sensory sensitivity.
9. Noise sensitivity in ADHD may lead to difficulties in concentrating, overstimulation, and heightened stress levels.
10. ADHD individuals may find it challenging to navigate everyday environments with high levels of noise due to their heightened sensitivity.
Related: Loop Earplugs For ADHD Patients
Source URLs
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/misophonia-and-adhd
https://mychn.org/noise-sensitivity-adhd/
https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/senses-hypersensitivity-and-adhd/
https://www.theminiadhdcoach.com/living-with-adhd/adhd-sounds
https://psychcentral.com/adhd/adhd-hypersensitivity
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4333120/
https://www.joonapp.io/post/noise-sensitivity-adhd
Facts about -The different kinds of sound sensitivity, Understanding Sound Sensitivity and ADHD
1. People with ADHD may be sensitive to repetitive sounds, loud noises, or specific sounds like tapping or clicking.
2. Highly sensitive individuals with ADHD may also experience sensitivity to touch and have an intense reaction to certain textures or sensations.
3. Elevated background noise has been found to be associated with symptoms of inattention in ADHD, indicating a link between noise sensitivity and ADHD symptoms.
Source URLs
https://www.verywellmind.com/adhd-symptom-sound-sensitivity-5272331
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/misophonia-and-adhd
https://www.theminiadhdcoach.com/living-with-adhd/adhd-sounds
https://mychn.org/noise-sensitivity-adhd/
https://psychcentral.com/adhd/adhd-hypersensitivity
https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/senses-hypersensitivity-and-adhd/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4333120/
Facts about -How sound sensitivity affects those with ADHD, Understanding Sound Sensitivity and ADHD
1. People with ADHD may have heightened sensitivity to noise and other sensory stimuli.
2. Sound sensitivity in ADHD can manifest as misophonia and hyperacusis.
3. Loud noises can be overwhelming and cause difficulty for individuals with ADHD.
4. An elevated background noise is associated with symptoms of inattention in ADHD.
5. People with ADHD and sound sensitivities are typically more affected by auditory processing disorders.
6. There may be a connection between misophonia and ADHD, as evidence suggests that ADHD is linked to heightened sensitivity to certain sounds.
Source URLs
https://mychn.org/noise-sensitivity-adhd/
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/misophonia-and-adhd
https://www.theminiadhdcoach.com/living-with-adhd/adhd-sounds
https://medium.com/all-things-adhd/understanding-sound-sensitivity-in-adhd-81f920a1f2a1
https://psychcentral.com/adhd/adhd-hypersensitivity
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4333120/
https://www.getinflow.io/post/sound-sensitivity-and-adhd-auditory-processing-misophonia
Facts about -Drowning out triggering sounds with music or TV, Managing Sound Sensitivity
1. Music or TV can be used to drown out triggering sounds for individuals experiencing sound sensitivity or misophonia, which are common symptoms of ADHD.
2. Some individuals with sound sensitivity may use headphones or other noise-producing devices to drown out triggering sounds, while others may opt for background noise from music or television.
3. Managing sound sensitivity may involve using headphones and music to drown out trigger noises.
Source URLs
https://www.verywellmind.com/adhd-symptom-sound-sensitivity-5272331
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/misophonia-and-adhd
https://www.theminiadhdcoach.com/living-with-adhd/adhd-sounds
https://www.verywellmind.com/misophonia-hatred-of-sound-1191958
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320682
https://www.joonapp.io/post/noise-sensitivity-adhd
https://www.livestrong.com/article/13778755-sound-sensitivity/
Facts about -Using noise-canceling headphones, Managing Sound Sensitivity
1. Using noise-canceling headphones can help manage sound sensitivity in individuals with ADHD.
2. Noise-canceling headphones can dampen external noises and provide relief for people with hyperacusis and other auditory processing disorders related to ADHD.
3. Managing sound sensitivity in ADHD involves identifying triggers and using tools such as noise-canceling headphones, white noise machines, and earplugs.
4. Hyperacusis, which causes increased sensitivity to specific frequencies of sound, can be managed with noise-canceling headphones.
5. Noise-canceling headphones can help minimize sensory over-responsivity and provide relief for individuals with ADHD who are sensitive to loud noises.
6. Noise sensitivity and misophonia in ADHD can be managed with noise-canceling headphones and other practical strategies to minimize sensory over-responsivity.
Source URLs
https://www.verywellmind.com/adhd-symptom-sound-sensitivity-5272331
https://www.theminiadhdcoach.com/living-with-adhd/adhd-sounds
https://medium.com/all-things-adhd/understanding-sound-sensitivity-in-adhd-81f920a1f2a1
https://psychcentral.com/adhd/adhd-hypersensitivity
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/misophonia-and-adhd
https://www.getinflow.io/post/sound-sensitivity-and-adhd-auditory-processing-misophonia
https://readykids.com.au/adhd-noise-sensitivity/
Facts about -Wearing a hearing aid, Managing Sound Sensitivity
1. Wearing a hearing aid can help manage sound sensitivity in individuals with ADHD.
2. Noise-canceling headphones can also be an option for managing sound sensitivity at work.
Source URLs
https://www.verywellmind.com/adhd-symptom-sound-sensitivity-5272331
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/misophonia-and-adhd
https://www.theminiadhdcoach.com/living-with-adhd/adhd-sounds
https://psychcentral.com/adhd/adhd-hypersensitivity
https://medium.com/all-things-adhd/understanding-sound-sensitivity-in-adhd-81f920a1f2a1
https://www.loopearplugs.com/blogs/blog/are-misophonia-and-adhd-connected
https://www.joonapp.io/post/noise-sensitivity-adhd
Facts about -Finding the right music for work or study, Managing Sound Sensitivity
1. White noise is more effective than silence for individuals with ADHD, especially in difficult conditions.
2. Relaxing music can potentially benefit individuals without ADHD in managing sound sensitivity.
3. Background noise, like music, can act as an auditory fidget to help some adults with ADHD focus their brains.
Source URLs
https://www.verywellmind.com/adhd-symptom-sound-sensitivity-5272331
https://www.theminiadhdcoach.com/living-with-adhd/adhd-sounds
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/misophonia-and-adhd
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10221503/
https://www.theminiadhdcoach.com/living-with-adhd/adhd-music
https://www.additudemag.com/background-noise-sensitivity-adhd-music/
https://psychcentral.com/adhd/adhd-hypersensitivity
Facts about -Honoring and celebrating sound sensitivity, Managing Sound Sensitivity
1. Sound sensitivity is often comorbid with ADHD, and it is important to honor and celebrate the experiences of individuals with this sensitivity.
2. Misophonia, a significant aspect of ADHD-related sound sensitivity, should be acknowledged and respected in those with ADHD.
3. There is plenty of evidence showing a connection between ADHD and hypersensitivity, and it is important to celebrate the strength and resilience of individuals managing this sensitivity.
4. Individuals with ADHD may feel overwhelmed by loud noises and repetitive sounds, and it is important to honor their experiences and provide support.
5. Celebrating the courage and resilience of individuals managing ADHD hypersensitivity can help reduce stigma and create a more supportive environment for them.
6. ADHD hypersensitivity is not a sign of weakness, and it is important to honor the experiences and strengths of those living with this sensitivity.
Source URLs
https://www.verywellmind.com/adhd-symptom-sound-sensitivity-5272331
https://www.theminiadhdcoach.com/living-with-adhd/adhd-sounds
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/misophonia-and-adhd
https://www.additudemag.com/hypersensitivity-disorder-with-adhd/
https://mychn.org/noise-sensitivity-adhd/
https://nhahealth.com/adhd-hypersensitivity/
https://www.addept.org/living-with-adult-add-adhd/how-to-understand-hypersensitivity-in-adhd
Facts about -Possible connections to anxiety and depression, The Link Between ADHD and Hypersensitivity
1. There is evidence supporting a link between anxiety sensitivity, anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
2. Sound sensitivity can contribute to anxiety and depression in individuals with ADHD.
3. Sensory overload and overstimulation in individuals with ADHD can lead to potential emotional hypersensitivity, which may be linked to anxiety and depression.
Source URLs
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/misophonia-and-adhd
https://psychcentral.com/adhd/adhd-hypersensitivity
https://nhahealth.com/adhd-hypersensitivity/
https://www.additudemag.com/hypersensitivity-disorder-with-adhd/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9239145/
https://www.verywellmind.com/adhd-symptom-sound-sensitivity-5272331
https://add.org/sensory-overload-adhd/
Facts about -When to seek therapy, The Link Between ADHD and Hypersensitivity
1. Those with ADHD and hypersensitivity should seek therapy to learn how to manage and cope with their sensitivity to noise.
2. Therapy can help individuals with ADHD and hypersensitivity to develop strategies for dealing with sensory overload.
3. Seeking therapy can assist individuals with ADHD in addressing the distress caused by overwhelming noise and improving their ability to focus.
4. Therapy can provide support and guidance for individuals with ADHD and hypersensitivity in learning how to manage their reactions to specific sounds and stimuli.
Source URLs
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/misophonia-and-adhd
https://psychcentral.com/adhd/adhd-hypersensitivity
https://www.verywellmind.com/adhd-symptom-sound-sensitivity-5272331
https://nhahealth.com/adhd-hypersensitivity/
https://www.theminiadhdcoach.com/living-with-adhd/adhd-sounds
https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/senses-hypersensitivity-and-adhd/
https://mychn.org/noise-sensitivity-adhd/
Facts about — Bottom Line: Treatment and Resources for Sound Sensitivity in ADHD
1. Not all people with ADHD have sound sensitivity, and not all with sound sensitivity have ADHD, but the sensory issue is often comorbid with ADHD.
2. The first line of treatment for sound sensitivity often involves working with a mental health professional for talk therapy.
3. There is limited evidence supporting a direct link between misophonia and ADHD, but there is plenty of evidence supporting a link between ADHD and hypersensitivity.
Source URLs
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/misophonia-and-adhd
https://www.verywellmind.com/adhd-symptom-sound-sensitivity-5272331
https://mychn.org/noise-sensitivity-adhd/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4333120/
https://www.theminiadhdcoach.com/living-with-adhd/adhd-sounds
