SHE has worn industrial earmuffs for the last 18 years in a bid to block out a mystery noise in her home.

But now Sharon Wilson, who suffers from Cushing's syndrome, lung disease, diabetes and multiple sclerosis, says she can not bear it any longer.

The 45-year-old, who lives in council-owned sheltered housing at Marjorie Waite Court, off Burton Stone Lane, York, said she had spent hundreds of pounds on earmuffs and ear plugs over the years and pleaded with council bosses to resolve the problem.

She said: "It sounds like a lorry thundering by and it's so bad it makes me feel sick.

"It's been going on for 18 years, but recently it has got worse and worse. It has affecting my health.

"It never stops and I have to wear ear plugs all the time. I buy a pack of four for £1.95 and I have to replace them every day. It has been costing me a fortune.

"I have also got two pairs of workmen's earmuffs for when it is really bad.

"I realise that I am more sensitive to noise and vibration than other people because of my medical condition, but I still should not have to go through this.

"I constantly feel distressed and I am so depressed because of it."

Last week, we reported how 86-year-old Evelyn Cooper, who also lives at Marjorie Waite Court, had suffered sleepless nights for almost a year because of a vibrating bed.

A City of York Council spokesman said they were taking the concerns of both residents very seriously.

She said: "We have already fitted insulation to Ms Wilson's flat to try to solve the problem.

"We have previously investigated whether the central heating system could be the cause and have changed a number of parts. However, Ms Wilson tells us that the noise has persisted and we now suspect that it may be coming from an external light fitting.

"The light fitting will be replaced and we have not ruled out the possibility that it is responsible for the noises and vibrations reported by both residents.

"Our environmental health team is also to set up noise monitors in Ms Wilson's flat to try to confirm what the source of the problem."