After reading this I thought I was the only one sensitive to noises. I have always hated loud bangs since very little, don't know why, I wear wireless headphones now which are quite effective. I would love noise cancellation ones but they're nearly £2-300 quite expensive. I live in a small estate in a sort of village where there seem to be an increase in families with kids. They're not generally mean but during the summer like now, they stay out until 10pm and play out like I used too, although my parents never allowed me or my sister out after 9pm. I think parents are too lean now and not strict. They have no control and I am quite embarrassed by how many parents moan about their kids and they shouldn't have had them in the first place. I live alone and sometimes house sit for family which is good, yet noise at my dads where I house sit is traffic noise. Theyre in a terraced house with a main road where buses, often lorries and the stupid boy racer cars and motorbikes that love nothing more than to rev their annoying exhausts. I cringe and wish I could shut out traffic sounds even when I go out shopping. I don't know why it makes me so anxious. I use the back bedroom upstairs to get some peace but back at home the kids are a pain. I cant afford to move yet and I just prefer winter time as less people seem to be out, only then fireworks on november 5th start and drive me on edge. I like going out but honestly, I sometimes wish I didn't have too as I just can't stand noises!! Hope others can find some help my doctors think it is just anxiety. I hate bubble gum popping on buses sometimes usually by horrible teenagers during the school holidays. urghhh.