11 Common Sounds Normal People Hardly Notice That Completely Annoy Someone With High Intelligence
Andrii Iemelianenko | Shutterstock Everyone knows at least one person who can operate normally, no matter where they're at. Perhaps it's even themselves who feel this way. Whether it's at a quiet library or in a loud cafe, these people aren't bothered by noise; in fact, they may find it quite relaxing, as some types of noise actually help people to focus. Unfortunately, there are plenty of common sounds normal people hardly notice that completely annoy someone with high intelligence.
These intelligent people aren't trying to be dramatic; rather, when they hear specific noises, it triggers their frustration. Whether they're trying to concentrate or just get a break from a chaotic environment, certain noises and sounds throw them off. It may be hard for them in public places, but it's essential they find a quiet place to rest in the mean time.
Here are 11 common sounds normal people hardly notice that completely annoy someone with high intelligence
1. A clock ticking in a quiet room
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Intelligent people don't always do well when their concentration is broken. Unlike some who can multitask, intelligent people understand that this method doesn't make for the best results. As psychology expert Joanne Cantor explained, "In essence, when you're multitasking, you're dimming your bulb, de-powering your brain. You're so much better off single-tasking."
Things like loud noises can absolutely break a person's concentration, forcing them to restart over and over again. So, intelligent people prefer to be in a completely quiet room where the clocks are digital and not analog. Because when a room is too quiet and all they hear is the ticking, it can make them feel insane.
2. People chewing or lip smacking
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Whether it's people chewing or smacking their lips, these are common sounds normal people hardly notice that completely annoy someone with high intelligence. Disturbances like this may not bother the average individual, but loud chewing causes disruptions for a specific set of people.
Whether it's someone trying to convey information or process information, loud noises during crucial times throw intelligent people off. This is because hyper-intelligent people do better at cutting off insignificant information in order to convey or process important information. However, when this process is being destroyed by insufferable sounds, expect those with higher intelligence to be a bit rattled.
3. TV as background noise
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Whenever they're at a friend's house, intelligent individuals might notice that their friend turns on the TV for background noise. Whether it's to sleep or focus, background noise makes the environment more calming, helping them relax.
According to writer Alexandra Sims, "The smartest individuals may find it more difficult to decide which ideas to prioritize with distraction leading to, what psychiatrist Dr. Ned Hallowell cites as, 'a feeling of inadequacy and inability to deal with the workload as a whole.'" This is why they can't concentrate well with the TV blasting. While it may work for the average person, highly intelligent people are more distracted than everyone else around them.
4. Repetitive pen clicking
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There's nothing worse than taking a test and hearing someone constantly clicking their pen. For many, test-taking anxiety is one of those things that can't be erased, and it's made worse for highly intelligent people, who can't stand certain noises like this.
Of course, there's nothing wrong with trying to relieve stress, and pen clicking can be a way to self-soothe. However, what comforts one person might disturb another. In this case, intelligent people are already struggling to pay attention and process details. Doing their best to make connections and recall information from their memory, the last thing they need is to hear someone clicking their pen right next to them.
5. Loud breathing in silent spaces
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As much as breathing may sound slightly uncomfortable when it's close by, the average person doesn't typically pick up on another person's inhaling and exhaling. But some people breathe loudly without even realizing it. Like Darth Vader's long-lost twin brother, these people breathe so loudly that the entire room can hear it. And while many don't mind it or ignore it, others can't stand it.
There's not a lot of evidence to link intelligence and misophonia. With little research, there's no telling whether highly intelligent people truly hate loud noise or if it's another aspect entirely. However, as psychiatrist Neel Burton pointed out, there were many creative geniuses who hated noise, citing Immanuel Kant, Marcel Proust, and Charles Darwin as examples.
6. Keyboard tapping
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Keyboard tapping is another of the common sounds normal people hardly notice that completely annoy someone with high intelligence. The average individual won't notice the person next to them typing at lightning speed, nor will the noises of the click-clacking bother them. Unfortunately, intellectuals tend to fixate on it.
Deep down inside, they know that their fixation is irrational. However, it doesn't stop them from growing frustrated. Especially if someone is practically banging their fingers against the keyboard, expect these people to either leave or internally groan every minute.
7. Phone notification pings
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Most people have heard a phone notification go off during an awkward moment. Whether it's their boss presenting or their professor speaking, phone notifications are one of those things that should be silenced, but never are. While it typically isn't a huge deal, it doesn't stop some people from snapping.
They might not have meant to cause a disturbance; however, that small sound can completely break someone's focus. And once their focus is broken, it's hard to get it back. According to author Johann Hari, it takes a person 23 minutes to regain the prior level of thought once distracted. Since intelligent people already struggle to focus in the first place, any distractions make it much harder to regain that train of thought.
8. People whispering nearby
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There's nothing more frustrating than hearing someone whispering while another person is trying to focus. Unfortunately, it's one of the many common sounds normal people hardly notice that completely annoy someone with high intelligence.
A little whispering is fine. From asking to borrow a pencil to answering a simple question, small whispers aren't world-ending. Yet, it's when whispering carries on that intelligent people grow annoyed. Not only are these whispers preventing them from processing information, but they're also losing information because they're unable to multitask properly.
9. Nonstop foot tapping
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Most people don't tap their feet consciously; in fact, it might be an indicator of anxiety. But just because they don't realize it doesn't mean it isn't annoying to some. Because intelligent people are so observant, this is one of those sounds they pick up on more than the average person.
With that comes the pain of being heavily distracted by the simple noises in life. And, unfortunately, their brain can't seem to shut off these distractions, so they much prefer to study or work in silence. As licensed clinical forensic psychologist Samantha Stein said, "Quiet solitude can offer many psychological benefits that can significantly enhance mental well-being. For example, engaging in periods of silence can help us clear our minds, leading to improved concentration and productivity when returning to work."
10. Repeated mouse clicking
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Whether it's to calm their anxiety or out of boredom, many don't notice they've developed the habit of clicking their mouse until someone tells them to stop. Of course, for the average person, they probably don't mind it. Too focused on what they're doing, they might not think much of the repeated clicking.
But intelligent people can't stand it. Though they aren't trying to be rude, knowing it's used as a method of relaxation, they'd hate to tell someone to stop. But if they're truly trying to focus, expect them to express their frustration. As kind as they try to be, nothing gets to them more than an unnecessary distraction.
11. Repetitive looping sounds
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People might play something to help soothe them or put them in the mood to focus. However, just because it works for them doesn't mean it won't distract others. Unfortunately, a lot of people aren't that respectful of those around them, especially in public spaces.
According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, being disrespected causes more aggression than being disliked. So, if someone is playing repetitive looping noises over and over again, the constant interruption and disrespect may cause more trouble than it's worth.
Marielisa Reyes is a writer with a bachelor's degree in psychology who covers self-help, relationships, career, family, and astrology topics.
