Misophonia

Audiology Ear Care - New Brighton, MN

651-628-4327

Some people experience an intense negative reaction to sounds that are not bothersome - even ordinary - to most others. That reaction is often an uncontrollable emotional and/or physiological response and is called Misophonia. The word comes from the Greek miso, meaning hatred, and phonia, which means sound.

Misophonia is more than a dislike of sounds. Some describe it as a visceral response to certain sounds (feeling it in their gut). Misophonia does not involved all sounds - just specific ones. It also does not relate to the loudness of sounds, as in hyperacusis. Misophonia can happen for any sounds regardless of how loud they are. Sounds that cause these intense reactions are called triggers.

People with misophonia can not control the reaction to their triggers and often live in fear of hearing a sound that will cause such a strong negative reaction.

Misophonia may not by just a psychological response. A 2017 research study from Newcastle University in the United Kingdom made a link to a part of the brain which processes emotions. When subjects were exposed to trigger sounds in their study, the scientists found that a part of the brain called the anterior insular cortex became extremely active. The insular cortex is associated with visceral sensations and sensations of the arms, face and tongue. This link shows the type of sensations experirenced by people with misophonia.

Misophonia is a very individual disorder. People have very specific sounds which evoke negative responses. Some common sounds which are associated with misophonia are unpleasant for many people, but have an unusually strong response in those with misophonia:

Others chewing
Many repetitive sounds (tapping, vocalizing or clicking of the tongue, typing, ticking clocks)
Fork or spoon scraping a dish, clinking of glasses
Sipping, slurping, or gulping liquids
Someone's voice (often a specific person)
Whispering or audible breathing

Misophonia can be treated by a qualified audiologist. In some severe cases, your audiologist may need to involve a psychologist to provide cognitive behavioral therapy and other psychological support. Treatment for misophonia often involves a gentle conditioning to the sound which eventually eliminates or greatly lessens the reaction experienced by the patient.

The most important thing is that you seek help from an audiologist if you think you have misophonia. Don't let a fear of everyday sounds prevent you from living your life.

Misophonia can be helped!
If certain sounds are interfering with your quality of life, schedule an appointment today and find out how we can help.