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It's So Loud In Here!

BBC Sounds 6 Episodes Feb 10, 2026

This podcast explores the neurodivergent experience of sound sensitivity, from the overwhelming noise of a bus ride to the stress of a quiet office. Through personal stories from neurodivergent contributors, it reveals the hidden cost of everyday sounds and how noise tolerance varies. Produced by BBC Audio North and BBC Sounds Audio Lab, the series aims to increase understanding of sensory processing differences.

Episodes

5. Hobbies: Comfort in Overwhelm Feb 10, 2026 1192 Why hitting people with a foam stickis the only thing that’s not overwhelming! How can running through a city, headphones off and hearing everything be so liberating? Experience the fun of hobbies, where even the loudest environments can be comforting instead of overwhelming. Neurodiversity expert Dr Tom Nicholson explains why sound can be easier to cope with in these different environments and wh

4. Relationships: Forgotten Conversations Feb 10, 2026 1109 How can you hold a conversation when you feel drowned by so much other noise, and then be expected to remember what was said - all while hiding the discomfort of so much going on in your head? Neurodiversity expert Dr Tom Nicholson explains how hard it can be to spend time with friends when everyone has different sensory needs. That’s before you add in the meet up is in the pub. Heidi Mavir shar

3. Work: Curse of the Aircon Feb 10, 2026 1006 Why do our workplaces impact everyone so differently? When a packed, noisy beer garden in the summer can be more manageable than the hum of the office air conditioning. Dr Tom Nicholson explains why the tip-tap of the keyboard or the ping of the lift doors can get too much. We meet Kay Wilson who explains how she feels when working in an unpredictable art studio; Kieren Hawken who struggles so m

2. Public Transport: Headphones On Feb 10, 2026 1097 Why does a bus ride sound like heavy metal at full volume? Where headphones are a must to even try tackling the journey, and driving a car can feel like a saviour. Experience what it feels like to travel when neurodivergent, as expert Dr Tom Nicholson takes you through all the trials neurodivergent people face when travelling. We hear from Tyla Grant on how overwhelming the underground can be, a

1. Sleep: The Negative Spiral Feb 10, 2026 1353 How do you sleep when your mind won't shut up? When it anguishes on past experiences and sews stress in the silence of the night. Experience the reality of the un-silent night as neurodiversity expert Dr Tom Nicholson explains why racing thoughts and the tiniest buzz can become overwhelming for neurodivergent people. We follow Kim To as she grapples with the quiet of her house and the unyielding

Introducing... It's So Loud In Here! Feb 9, 2026 147 Journey into the neurodivergent mind and discover the impact of noise in everyday life. From taking the bus into work to going to sleep at night, every sound has an invisible cost.Hear how overwhelming a quiet office can be, how stressful it is to be out of control or how having fun can increase noise tolerance. Every neurodivergent experience is different and the impact might not be noticeable, b

It's So Loud In Here!

Episodes

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