Recently I have taken to fleeing the break room of my department because a person who was hired about 6 months ago has a habit of hanging out in there and making noises that make it almost impossible for me to eat sometimes. His position is semi-on-call, and i don’t mind that he is in the break room rather try an at a desk (he has a schedule and a pager; the work does get done), except that he’s there all. The. Time. And he makes these noises where he sucks mucus up into his nasopharynx, chokes on it, and then swallows it. Constantly.
So, today I’m taking my break in the main cafeteria, and there’s a patient with a toddler who is being entertained/blasted by toddler screen programs like 8 feet away, ranging from ‘Baby Shark’ level to Bluey. I finished eating, but I’m having to work at not being overtly annoyed.
Thus, my question: does anyone have advice on better dealing with aversive noises, or a better outlook on it? If my annoyance is following me, I’m the one with the problem.