Relearning to Listen: Understanding Your Sensory World After Brain Injury

When summer feels like sensory overload

The warmer months are often seen as a time to relax, holidays, days out, and long afternoons in the sun. But for many people living with an acquired brain injury (ABI), summer can bring a surprising set of challenges.

Think sticky sun cream, itchy clothing, the glare of bright sunlight, sudden changes in weather, touble regulating your body temperature, loud crowds, or the overwhelming mix of smells at a busy beach or fairground. What might seem like minor discomforts to others can quickly become overwhelming after a brain injury. For some, it’s enough to change plans entirely—avoiding certain places, routines, or even people, just to stay regulated.

Sensory overload after ABI isn’t a personality quirk or overreaction. It’s the brain’s way of saying, “this is too much, too fast.” And it can deeply affect confidence, emotional wellbeing, and everyday life.

Why Does This Happen?

Our brains help us filter the constant stream of sensory input we receive every second—sounds, lights, smells, touch, temperature. But after a brain injury, this filtering system can change. Some people become more sensitive to certain sensations; others may feel numb or detached, finding it hard to recognise what they’re feeling at all.

This disruption in sensory processing can affect:

• Emotional regulation

• Memory and focus

• Physical comfort

• Confidence in public spaces

• The ability to relax or sleep

Over time, many people learn to hide their responses just to “get on with it.” But that pressure to mask or ignore the body’s signals can make things worse—not better.

What Helps Instead?

In therapy, rehabilitation, and day-to-day life, the goal shouldn’t be to “push through” sensory distress. That can feel retraumatising and lead to further shutdown. What’s more helpful is to slow down, get curious, and gently begin reconnecting with your body.

At Headway Kent, we work with people every day who are learning to do just that,sometimes for the first time since their injury.

We focus on creating environments that are calm, respectful, and sensory-aware. Spaces where people feel safe saying, “this is too much,” without judgement. Where small adjustments—dimmed lights, quiet zones, breaks from conversation—are seen as supportive, not indulgent.

Understanding Your Sensory World After ABI

Practical ways to reconnect with your body and regain control

Start by noticing:

• Do certain sounds, lights, or places make you feel agitated, anxious, or drained?

• Do you fidget or tap when concentrating? That might be a self-regulating strategy.

• Are there environments that help you feel calmer or more “yourself”?

Reflect on your day:

• Which moments felt overwhelming?

• Were you able to rest afterwards, or did you keep pushing through?

• Did you change anything to feel more comfortable—without even realising?

Create a comfort plan:

• Carry noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, or familiar textures if they help.

• Build in regular rest breaks—especially after social or noisy situations.

• Find calming inputs like music, scents, or gentle movement.

• Wear layered clothing to assist body temperature regualtion and consider neck or hand held fans.

Talk about it:

• Let others know what helps (and what doesn’t).

• Bring your sensory needs into your therapy sessions or support groups.

• Remind yourself: needing comfort is not a weakness. It’s part of recovery.

Final Thought

Reconnecting with your sensory world after a brain injury takes time but it’s worth it. When we stop judging ourselves for needing comfort or calm, we start to rebuild trust in our own bodies. And from that foundation, healing becomes more possible.

At Headway Kent, we see this journey every day—and we’re here to walk it with you. 

For more information contact us on: info@headwaykent.org