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, but it's there and with our cast of neurodivergent contributors we hear what that sounds like.
It's So Loud In Here! was a BBC Audio North Production with BBC Sounds Audio Lab.
Producer and Presenter - Keira Edwards
Senior Producers - Richard McIlroy and Tom Moseley
Editor - Pete Wilson
Sound Design and mix - Tony Churnside
Artwork - Ellie Walmsley
Assistant Commissioner - Prabhjit Bains
Commissioning Editor - Khaliq Meer
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 why neurodivergent people are often found live-action roleplaying and at tabletop spaces.
We follow Tom Gilding as he runs throughout London, even braving taking his headphones off as he weaves through the crowds, as well as Elly Wigmore who finds chaotic live-action role-play combat involving as many as 800 people her place of calm.
It’s So Loud In Here! was a BBC Audio North Production with BBC Sounds Audio Lab.
Producer and Presenter - Keira Edwards
Senior Producers - Richard McIlroy and Tom Moseley
Editor - Pete Wilson
Sound Design and mix - Tony Churnside
Production Coordinator - Mica Nepomuceno
Artwork - Ellie Walmsley
Assistant Commissioner - Prabhjit Bains
Commissioning Editor - Khaliq Meer
10 Feb 2026
4. Relationships: Forgotten Conversations
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 shares the difficulties of balancing the volume at home and Alex Richardson takes us to the football, where he has to arrive early.
It’s So Loud In Here! was a BBC Audio North Production with BBC Sounds Audio Lab.
Producer and Presenter - Keira Edwards
Senior Producers - Richard McIlroy and Tom Moseley
Editor - Pete Wilson
Sound Design and mix - Tony Churnside
Production Coordinator - Mica Nepomuceno
Artwork - Ellie Walmsley
Assistant Commissioner - Prabhjit Bains
Commissioning Editor - Khaliq Meer
10 Feb 2026
3. Work: Curse of the Aircon
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 much in an office that he permanently works from home and Alex Richardson who works with loud machinery in parks.
It’s So Loud In Here! was a BBC Audio North Production with BBC Sounds Audio Lab.
Producer and Presenter - Keira Edwards
Senior Producers - Richard McIlroy and Tom Moseley
Editor - Pete Wilson
Sound Design and mix - Tony Churnside
Production Coordinator - Mica Nepomuceno
Artwork - Ellie Walmsley
Assistant Commissioner - Prabhjit Bains
Commissioning Editor - Khaliq Meer
10 Feb 2026
2. Public Transport: Headphones On
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, as well as Lara Sullivan who explains why she has avoided public transport since she was able to drive.
It’s So Loud In Here! was a BBC Audio North Production with BBC Sounds Audio Lab.
Producer and Presenter - Keira Edwards
Senior Producers - Richard McIlroy and Tom Moseley
Editor - Pete Wilson
Sound Design and mix - Tony Churnside
Production Coordinator - Mica Nepomuceno
Artwork - Ellie Walmsley
Assistant Commissioner - Prabhjit Bains
Commissioning Editor - Khaliq Meer
10 Feb 2026
1. Sleep: The Negative Spiral
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 negative thoughts that spin in her mind, as well as Tom Gilding whose extra sensitive hearing makes tuning out when drifting off a massive struggle.
It’s So Loud In Here! was a BBC Audio North Production with BBC Sounds Audio Lab.
Producer and Presenter - Keira Edwards
Senior Producers - Richard McIlroy and Tom Moseley
Editor - Pete Wilson
Sound Design and mix - Tony Churnside
Production Coordinator - Mica Nepomuceno
Artwork - Ellie Walmsley
Assistant Commissioner - Prabhjit Bains
Commissioning Editor - Khaliq Meer
9 Feb 2026
Introducing... It's So Loud In Here!
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, but it's there.
It's So Loud In Here! was a BBC Audio North Production with BBC Sounds Audio Lab.
Producer and Presenter - Keira Edwards
Senior Producers - Richard McIlroy and Tom Moseley
Editor - Pete Wilson
Sound Design and mix - Tony Churnside
Production Coordinator - Mica Nepomuceno
Artwork - Ellie Walmsley
Assistant Commissioner - Prabhjit Bains
Commissioning Editor - Khaliq Meer
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