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I actually find large groups distracting and disorienting to the point that I have a hard time decoding conversations and that extra churn is what exhausts me i
by tartoran 5y ago
I actually find large groups distracting and disorienting to the point that I have a hard time decoding conversations and that extra churn is what exhausts me in the first place. Also, trying to keep the mask on is also a bit exhausting so the moment I tell everyone that Im introverted and no longer have to pretend Im not things start to improve a bit.
Having said that, I think you have a point with the threat perception part. I do enjoy social contexts where I feel like I fit in and can be myself. The problem seems to be more with social contexts I am obligated to participate in, where I have to put on a mask of interest; probably the threat is to be found that you’re really not interested into that interaction.
- amelius 5y ago> I have a hard time decoding conversations and that extra churn is what exhausts me in the first place Yes. The more you shy away from big gatherings, the harder it becomes to decode audio signals in noisy environments. It also doesn't help if you're much smaller or taller than other people.
- astrophysics 5y agoWow, maybe this explains why I can't hear anything in large groups of people.
- Vedor 5y agoJust curious, have you checked your hearing recently? For a long time I believed that I can't hear anything in large groups because I'm introvert (which I am) and large groups exhaust me. Turned out to be hearing problem. And the thing is that I never had a feeling that my hearing is poor. But some day I got tinnitus that did not go away over time, and after some tests I learnt that I'm almost deaf for high-frequency tones. It impairs speech understanding, especially when there is a lot of background noise like on busy street... or family gatherings.
- tartoran 5y agoMy hearing isn’t too bad, I tested it and I can hear okay. My problem is decoding speech in noisy environments, it is somewhat delayed and iffy at times. I am more inclined to think theres an audio processing issue. Haven’t tested for CAPD - central audio processing syndrome and am not sure it would help me any if I have it. Im at the stage of accepting my weaknesses, I used to be hard on myself before.
- 1123581321 5y agoIf you have CAPD, you can get a small ear filter which will actually help. (I have it and was diagnosed.)
- tartoran 5y agoWhat is that? Can you provide more info? Very curious...
- 1123581321 5y agoThe filter fits into my left ear based on a mold. It’s flesh-colored and visible when my head is viewed directly from the side. Otherwise, it can’t really be seen. It has holes in it but I don’t know its internal design. It was made almost 20 years ago, so I’m sure the state of the art has changed. The filter limits unhelpful input into my left ear, which for me is conflicting input in voice range and high-pitched loud noises. I was instructed to wear it for classes and meetings and to sit to the left of the main speaker when possible. I haven’t worn it in years, but I credit it with a higher GPA and a few friendships that might have struggled to form if I hadn’t been able to hear well enough to converse.
- Vedor 5y agoNever heard of it, but I have almost all of its symptoms. Interesting. Thank you for mentioning CAPD.
- robryan 5y agoAt some events like weddings people insist on having very loud music on making it very hard to hold any kind of conversation at the same time as not really being socially acceptable not to try and have them.
- hliyan 5y agoThis gives me an idea. Next time I'm going to see how much drainage I experience when I'm socializing with people I don't mind offending!
- tgaj 5y agoIt could be also symptom of ADHD.