My dad always taught us to chew with our mouths closed and it drives me crazy if my husband chews gum.... Also when he eats I hear his teeth come together and the crunching and it, too, irritates the heck out of me!!! I never connected any of this before..... Vacuuming.... Have you checked out the hyperaccusis forum on this Sean? I fear I have it.... and I love blasting music.... Partly from hearing loss, but I seem hyperacute at the same time.