Noise anxiety is a condition which is characterized by an extreme sensitivity to noise. Someone with noise anxiety suffers a variety of stress and anxiety related emotions when he or she is exposed to certain types of noises; these emotions can range from a general sense of uneasiness to aggression. Living with noise anxiety can be extremely frustrating, and the condition can be difficult to treat; typically the assistance of a skilled therapist is required.

Some people are more at risk for noise anxiety than others. People suffering from depression or anxiety are more likely to develop noise anxiety, as are women and introverts. The condition can emerge at any time, often in response to an increase of stress. The noise induced anxiety can, in turn, heighten the sense of stress and unease, thereby making the sufferer even more anxious, depressed, or upset. This can contribute to a generally distressed mental state which can be problematic for the sufferer.

A wide variety of noises can contribute to noise anxiety, and the triggers seem to be unique to the individual. As a general rule, the noises are repetitive or chronic, and the patient may feel a lack of control over them. Some commonly cited sources of noise anxiety include: chewing, voices, picking at fingernails, neighborhood animal sounds, engines, televisions and radios, pet grooming, and appliances, among many others, and the responses to such noises may range from flying into a rage to withdrawing into a state of depression.

For someone with noise anxiety, sounds often seem amplified, and there may be a sense that sounds are being created deliberately with the intent of annoying or upsetting the sufferer. For example, someone who is sensitive to the sound of pet grooming may grow angry at cats and dogs who settle down to groom nearby, even though the animals may actually be demonstrating trust or affection by grooming in the vicinity.

Wearing earplugs and noise canceling headphones can help to dampen the sounds which cause distress, and headphones can also be used to listen to soothing or calming noises which the sufferer does have control over. However, these measures should not be used alone; noise anxiety can be very unpleasant for those who suffer from it and people around them when left untreated, and it is a good idea to seek therapy to help overcome the problem. Even with therapy, patients may not be completely cured, but they can learn to cope with noise anxiety and to reduce the severity of the effects.