Jerry and I attended his 40th high school reunion last weekend. Mine was a year ago, and my intolerance for loud noise has either intensified or the SEHS alumni are a noisier bunch than the CHS crowd. Making a ruckus just goes with having a good time, right?
Like a tidal wave, people swept to the opposite side of the warehouse when the band started up. The loud people took over the universe and the quieter ones sought their escape. I don’t remember hearing a complete sentence for the rest of the evening, though I watched a lot of mouths moving.
Sunday morning my discomfort continued as I kept my head down and hands busy, unfolding the edges of my recently purchased used Bible. It must have been that my sensors were overloaded by the noise from the night before, I don’t know. It was just hard to respond to the speaker without my defenses up, feeling like my ears and head were being assaulted, though I appreciated what he had to say.
Sound can Hurt
Hyperacusis is a condition where a person is more sensitive to sounds that don’t normally seem loud to people. I read that hyperacusis, with or without phonophobia (fear of certain sounds), occurs in 10-15% of the population. It can eventually lead to social isolation and depression.
I’m careful unloading the dishwasher so I don’t stack dishes or close cupboard doors too loudly. I use ear plugs in church, not only with the music but when the pastor is speaking. Being near my husband when he sneezes makes me jump, and staying asleep at night is a challenge.
The heartbreak comes when I dwell on things I’ve lost, or fear losing, like singing with my family as we lead worship together (I can’t handle the sound system), and on my concern for the future as symptoms worsen.
I Won’t Give up Hope
It’s pretty easy to get caught up in my worries.
Here’s a scripture that helps: “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you” (from Isaiah 46:3-4 NIV).
And I often consider this one, too: “For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes on him will not be put to shame’ ” (Romans 10:11 NJKV).
I will never regret trusting him. I’ve never heard of anyone coming to the end of life saying, “I wish I hadn’t trusted Jesus.” There’s no downside to following him, though we may struggle along the way with parties in uncomfortable warehouses. He will not fail to sustain and rescue us.
by Kathy Sheldon Davis
kathysheldondavis.com 
Thank you for the encouraging words, Lynn. I love imagining the eagles’ wings!
Kathy,
Beautiful post. I love that God’s quiet whisper breathes life into us. His soft voice reaches us deeply, no matter the decibel level of noise in the natural. I don’t like super-loud worship or noisy environments, either. I don’t have hyperacusis, but I find myself withdrawing when things get overwhelming, especially at conferences. I’m trusting that God will use you in a powerful way, even when you’re on the”fringe” of the action. After all, the pinions of eagles’ wings are at the very tip of the wings, but they steer the majestic birds.
Nothing brings me more comfort, and strength, than the scriptures do. I’m glad you appreciate Isaiah, too.
I would love for my words to help people! Thank you, Wanda.
Kathy, God’s grace be with you. This is a great vulnerable article. It will help many.
I’m sorry Kathy. That sounds as if it’s a real challenge. I love that scripture in Isaiah that you quoted.