My Dad and I take care of my 85 year old mom at home. The noises she makes is crazy. She does talk here and there. Mostly if you speak to her. My mom has mixed dementia. I heard from another caregiver who husband has LBD that he grunts too. My mom does it with eating, (no dental issues. Regularly goes to dentist)sitting on toliet, walking, sleeping. Almost everything she does. When you ask if she is okay? She says she is okay. Anyone dealt with this or is? Driving my dad and I nuts. But, regardless we will still take care of her. Cause we love her so much. Thank you.
My mom had her own little verbal tics so I know just how distressing it can be, especially when you are still caring for them at home. I noticed it was worse when she was anxious or had an unmet need, although it was often impossible to figure out what she needed (even after playing 20 questions! lol).
I second Margaret's advice about ear plugs, that's a hack I discovered when doing child care and it works well in elder care as well. The ear plugs aren't blocking all sound, just lowering the volume so it's easier to cope with or ignore if necessary.
It might not work for your mother and I know it is considered a choking risk also. Just putting it out there.