Learning to Turn Down the Volume: A Sensory Healing Story
I didn’t grow up knowing who I was.
Like many trauma survivors—especially those of us who experienced childhood abuse or emotionally neglectful environments—I spent most of my life in survival mode. I didn’t know what sensory overload was. I didn’t know that I needed quiet. I didn’t know that I deserved it.
And I definitely didn’t know that sound could hurt this much.
For years, I thought I was just “sensitive” or “easily overwhelmed.” I told myself to push through. Be tougher. Adjust. But what I really needed—was less noise.
How I Found Loop (and Myself)
The first time I wore my Loop earplugs, I cried.
Not because they were uncomfortable—because they weren’t. I cried because of the relief. It was the first time in years that the world didn’t feel so loud. I could still hear my child, my partner, the essentials—but everything else softened. The tension in my body eased. My nervous system finally exhaled.
I didn’t realize how deeply overstimulation was affecting me until it stopped.
Sound Sensitivity Isn’t Just in Your Head
If you’re someone who:
Feels agitated or panicked in loud environments (stores, restaurants, even family gatherings)
Gets distracted or overwhelmed by background noise (TVs, fans, people talking)
Wears headphones with no music just to shut the world out
Feels drained after social interactions or errands
Jumps at sudden sounds
Struggles to sleep because of even small noises…
You’re not imagining it.
Sound sensitivity—also called hyperacusis—is common in:
People with PTSD or complex trauma
Autistic and ADHD individuals
People with sensory processing challenges
Those recovering from burnout
Survivors of chaotic, unpredictable childhoods
For me, it’s a combination of PTSD and being autistic—though I’m not officially diagnosed yet, I know it in my bones. And for the first time, I’m letting myself listen to my body without needing a professional to validate what I already feel is true.
What Helped Me: Loop Earplugs
Right now, I use two kinds:
Loop Engage 2 – My daily wear. They take the edge off everyday noise while still letting me hear conversations and my daughter. I wear them 3–5 hours a day, and they’ve become essential to staying grounded.
Loop Quiet – I just ordered these for bedtime. I’m hopeful they’ll help with nighttime overstimulation and improve my rest.
What surprised me the most was how small they are, how stylish they look, and how natural they feel to wear. They’ve helped me feel safer, calmer, and more regulated.
You’re Not “Too Sensitive”—You’re Finally Listening
If you’ve never explored your sensory needs, you’re not alone. Many of us weren’t taught to listen to our bodies—especially if we were raised to prioritize others, dismiss our discomfort, or “just deal with it.”
But you deserve to feel safe in your body.
You deserve peace.
And you deserve tools that help you get there.
If You’re Curious…
If any of this resonates with you, I gently recommend giving Loop a try. They have several styles depending on what you need, and they’re reusable, discreet, and genuinely beautiful.
Here’s the link I used to order mine:
👉 http://rwrd.io/hh7r4x3?c
💬 Full honesty: That’s a referral link. If you use it, you’ll get 15% off your first purchase, and I’ll earn points that help me get more Loop earplugs for my family. I don’t earn money from it—it’s not a business thing. Just a simple way we can both benefit from something that’s helped me more than I ever expected.
Whether you use the link or not, I hope you’ll consider giving your nervous system the quiet it’s been asking for. You’re not weak for needing softness. You’re wise for finally tuning in.