I just want to hear the birds

🪶 I Just Want to Hear the Birds: Living in a World That’s Too Loud

I’m autistic, and my world is loud — painfully, relentlessly loud. Even with earplugs and headphones, some days all I want is to step outside and just hear the birds. But it’s never that simple.

Some days, all I want is to step outside and just hear the birds. Feel the breeze, catch the rustle of leaves, maybe notice a distant dog barking or a squirrel scurrying up a tree.

But instead, I hear a truck’s backup beeper three streets over. I hear the low, constant hum of traffic, the deep bass of someone’s stereo vibrating the air, and — always — the ringing in my ears that never really stops. Even with my Loop earplugs in, it feels like the world refuses to turn the volume down.

I hate that I need earplugs. I hate that I carry headphones everywhere like armor. I hate that just existing outside feels like fighting a battle my nervous system is already tired of fighting.

And yeah — it’s unfair. I’m autistic, and this is part of my reality: the constant sensory overload, tinnitus, the anxiety that never really clocks out. Some days, I just wish I could walk outside like everyone else. Breathe deep. And hear only the things I want to hear.

But here’s the truth: needing these tools doesn’t make me weak. It makes me resilient. It means I know myself. Every time I put in my earplugs or slip on my headphones, I’m choosing to protect my peace.

Still… it doesn’t mean I don’t wish it were easier. I just want to hear the birds. And maybe, one day, I will — even if it’s only for a moment.

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💬 Does anyone else feel this way? If you’re autistic, neurodivergent, or just overwhelmed by noise, I’d love to hear how you cope. Drop a comment below or share your story.

🍀 Written by Caleb
Autistic, coin collector, history nerd, and quiet fighter trying to make sense of a loud world.