APD - Is there an anti-hearing aid???

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OK - here's my cry for help.

The worst thing about my AS is my auditory processing disorder. And the worst part of THAT is the intense sensitivity to sound. I have learned to read lips and body language and all the inconveniences that come with APD.

But now I'm stuck and need help!

My own freaking daughter's voice is like knives in my ears. It's just too much. She doesn't understand it and I don't know how to communicate and play with her when my ears feel as if they are bleeding.

I can't find ANY information about APD for adults - let alone how to turn the volume down so I can communicate with my very own loved ones.

I sometimes wish I would just lose my hearing altogether so I could at least use sign language and wouldn't be tortured by the sound and misunderstanding.

This is not something I have much trouble with. However, have you tried earplugs, specifically the foam ones that you compress and stick in, that are unobtrusive and don't completely block out speech? I had to use them years ago at work. They sort of turn down the volume. I wouldn't use the ones designed for shooting, I understand they only block sudden loud noises.

There's a wide choice of earplugs, some only soften sound, you can hear pretty well. Just try some.

I used to carry ear plugs everywhere I went, but then I did the Wilbarger Protocol (only an occupational therapit can teach it to you) and became more tolerant of noise. It's supposed to only help you tolerate touch, but it helped me with sound somehow. It doesn't help in crowds, only when I hear a general loud noise. It still feels like knives in my brain but I don't react to it much.

I doubt it would work for you, since you have an auditory processing disorder, but the foam earplugs are probably a good idea for you.

I do have earplugs but I actually prefer the iPod so that there's pleasant sound drowning out the bad sound. Anyway, it's not the volume - its the pitch. If I could adjust it in my head like turning down the treble on the stereo, I'd be set.

But it doesn't solve the communication problem - especially with a 5 year old. She doesn't understand that I can't carry on a conversation with her when she's shrieking and singing and there's a bunch of background sound. She's a pretty normal kid - just VERY talkative, likes to imitate Pikachu 24 hours a day, and has LOUD genes. (Her loud dad).

It must suck being her and not being able to be sing and dance and scream and all that fun kid stuff without pissing off mom.

The only meltdowns I still have are after a particularly bad auditory day with my daughter. I lock myself in the bathroom with my hands over my ears and meditate until I can come out. Or I will go outside and play my iPod at "11" until I calm down. Foo Fighters and other screaming, air-drum songs are the best in those situations.

"Is someone getting the best, the best, the best, the best of yooooouuuu!! !"

some kids voices can be very piercing, shrill. munchkin like.

MmeLePen,
am really recommend learning sign as it doesnt 'belong' to deafness,it can be used by anyone.,its even taught to babies so they can communicate before they learn to talk.

am use an easier to understand type called makaton due to being non verbal most of the time and to back up speech that is there,and have made a [small] video with a night staff to show a few of the basics :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_4Olfz4L7s
makaton is a lot more easier for self and others to learn as its based on actions,BSL/ASL is harder as it has a full language and there are more steps to each sign.
There is even a programme called 'something special' that daughter may like which would help her to learn makaton sign,while self could learn it another less noisy way-the programme is aimed at children.

and have wondered the title of this thread before [an anti hearing aid],they dont exist [yet] as theres not enough awareness of the sound and processing problems in ASDs-or the addons to autism such as hyperacusis and tinnitus,am recommend aids like peltor ear defenders,and laser lite ear plugs.,and also,
get an appointment with a developmental audiologist as they may be recommend something better and give ideas on how to help,they have dev. audiologists in most major hospitals.

or try speech therapy for the kid.

Being in a relationship for 15 years, I have developed selective hearing.

Variable noise reduction earplugs

http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/quietnrr14.htmlLike these, but you can google the above term.

Kids voices bother me too. I can't stand to be around screaming kids because they hurt my ears so much. I would try and use your iPod when around her but not too loud so you can hear her and dee iPod. It would make her sound quiter.

There may be various forms of auditory integration therapy you can get to help w/ this problem - ask an occupational therapist. Good luck.