It is not uncommon for individuals to venture out to catch a performance by their favorite band. The volume is cranked up high and the atmosphere is equally as loud. Some will try to get as close to large fireworks displays as possible because they want to feel the ‘boom’ rattle within. While loud noise is common there are those who live with a loud noise phobia known as Ligyrophobia.
With hearing being susceptible to damage from loud noise there is good reason to be cautious, but many find themselves fearful of the noise that invades their lives. Some reasons may be easy to understand.
What Causes the Fear of Loud Noise?
This phobia can originate from a fear of not being in control. An individual with this fear may feel this way because they witnessed an event that went horribly wrong that involved loud noise. For instance the European night club in which the floor collapsed injuring many. The noise may have masked the danger.
An individual may have experienced a disturbing situation in which a gun was used. That experience could lead to fear of loud noises such as the discharge of a firearm.
As with all fears if this was modeled by a trusted adult in your past it can also become much easier to accept the fear as valid. It is not uncommon for those who have this fear to experience a strong urge to flee when loud noise is encountered, but this is not the only symptom of this fear.
Symptoms of Ligyrophobia
Avoidance will be a strong tool in the arsenal of the ligyrophobe. These individuals will stay away from locations where they can expect loud noise. This includes concerts and shooting ranges, but may extend to malls, sporting events and other similar situations.
Other symptoms may also include…
- Trembling
- Air hunger
- Sweating
- Elevated heart rate
- Control loss
- Temporary elevation in body temperature
- Nausea
- An urge to flee
- Weeping
- Screaming
- Dizziness
- Feeling as if you are going crazy
What happens to an individual who lives with a phobia is the same as that experienced in a dangerous situation. The instinct that is designed to allow you to cope with an extremely dangerous situation is the same instinct that kicks in whenever a fear trigger is encountered. The biggest difference is that the fear trigger rarely has a ‘life or death’ component.
How to Overcome Ligyrophobia
It makes sense to avoid unneeded exposure to loud noises, but there are tools such as noise dampening ear plugs that can help when needed.
If the fear is due to a personal experience with a loud noise then you may find that spending time with a therapist may help you deal with the fear you now experience. While anxiety levels can decrease over the years the root cause of your fear can stay with you your entire life. Addressing the issue sooner rather than later can be a positive way to speed up recovery on your way to wholeness.
The fear of loud noise is also referred to as:
- Loud noise phobia
- Ligyrophobia
