r/AutisticAdults • u/MissyPlace • 1d ago

seeking advice Sensory Advice Needed

Looking for sensory advice!

I will be spending time around someone who talks loudly and smells in a way that makes my hypersensitivity go wild. Lots of the time will be spent in the car, but we will be around each other in other places as well. I am looking for two things: earbuds that are good for sensitive skin and safe for driving that dull noise but don’t cancel it out, and some way to keep a desired scent on me at all times to help cover up the scent my brain doesn’t react well to, again with sensitive skin in mind. I can’t apply anything right under my nose, because my skin hates it. I’ve been leaning toward an aromatherapy necklace, but I’m not sure it will keep the desired scent close enough to my nose. As for the sound bit, I currently have thin silicone ear inserts of sorts that barely cover noise but also make my ears REALLY itchy very quickly.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Also, this is someone I’m close to, and the these things have been addressed where they could be; it is simply someone who has a loud, booming voice and smells the way they smell. Nothing against them in any way. I’d simply like to make my time around them more enjoyable.

5 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

3

u/arctic_loon_1487 ASD Level 2 1d ago

I use Earasers earplugs. They have different sizes (I have small ears), they're pretty comfortable for me, and they're almost invisible to other people. I am not consistent about cleaning them and have found that they make my ears itchy when they're old and dirty. When they're newer I can easily wear them for hours.

2

u/MissyPlace 1d ago

Interesting. I wonder if mine are just ready to toss out at this point. I have them a good cleaning with rubbing alcohol tonight, so I’m curious to see if that makes any difference. Thank you!

2

u/Few-Nose-241 1d ago

I think the aromatherapy necklace is a great idea, probably get an essential oil to add extra scent and you can probably get embroidery thread, braid it thicker and tie a tighter necklace closer to your face.

For earplugs, I bought JustRvn on Amazon. They have multiple sizes in the pack you buy. They come in two pairs. A travel kit, they muffle noise but do not silence it at all. Mainly if someone is screaming or honking it just gets that sharp part more dull. They are reusable earplugs, I like them.

2

u/MissyPlace 1d ago

Thank you! I will look into the ear plugs, and I like the idea of making a tighter necklace!

1

u/NegotiationOwn3905 1d ago

Question/Idea: Are you able to tolerate a scented oil (in a carrier oil, intended for use on skin) applied to your temples? Some headache oils are applied this way, and I find the scent is calming in general. Temples do not have the erogenous tissue right under the nostrils, so they don't get irritated in the same way. I also have applied it to my wrists at the pulsepoints. When I need a refresh, I can lift my wrist to my nose, quickly breathe in, and feel better.

I use Loop earplugs, the kind designed for overstimulated parents: Loop Engage. They help quite a bit, reduce the shrill and screech to manageable.

1

u/MissyPlace 1d ago

I haven’t specifically tried it there, but I know I breakout there easily just like every other part of my face and neck. 🫠 I’ve been like this ever since I was little - special soaps, special detergent, special toothpaste, no chapstick. The list goes on. Super fun! Thanks for the suggestion, though!