Imagine enjoying a sunny afternoon at a friend’s backyard gathering—laughter in the air, birds chirping, wind chimes tinkling gently in the breeze. Suddenly, someone in the group appears visibly irritated, quickly stands up, and walks away. You might assume they were offended by something someone said—but the reality could be very different.
For someone with misophonia, the very sounds others find relaxing—like casual conversation, clinking silverware, or nature’s background music—can feel overwhelming and even unbearable.
Misophonia is a little-known condition that causes strong emotional reactions to specific sounds, and many people are unaware it even exists—let alone that there are treatment options available. Understanding what helps (and what doesn’t) is the first step in supporting those who live with this challenging disorder.
What Are Symptoms of Misophonia?
Quickly leaving an area due to certain sounds is a common response for someone with misophonia. But symptoms can vary from person
to person. Here’s what they may experience:
- Emotional reactions such as anger, irritation, or even panic in response to specific sounds
- Physical symptoms like an increased heart rate, muscle tension, or sweating
- Sudden need to escape or complete avoidance of situations where triggering sounds might occur
- Heightened anxiety or depression related to ongoing sound sensitivity
These symptoms can affect daily life, making work, school, and social interactions more challenging. Research suggests misophonia is more common in women and often begins during the early teen years.
What Are Common Misophonia Triggers?
Misophonia means “hatred of sound.” While most of us are not bothered by repetitive sounds or everyday sounds, those with misophonia experience heightened sensitivity to specific sounds. It is believed that our brain processes sounds differently, and it makes some sounds overwhelming or even distressing.
Simple everyday sounds can become unbearable. Common triggers include:
- Chewing
- Pen clicking
- Sniffling
- Repetitive tapping
- Throat clearing
Because the condition is often misunderstood or overlooked, it frequently goes undiagnosed. Finding an experienced specialist like Hearts for Hearing can help not only to recognize the disorder, but also to find ways to cope or treat it.
Accepted Treatments and Therapies for Misophonia
Misophonia is a lifelong condition and there is no cure. Treatment options can vary from patient to patient with the goal of managing the disorder.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This is the gold standard treatment for misophonia. During CBT, the patient is taught coping skills and ways to manage triggers. Its goal is to change how the patient reacts to triggers.
CBT helps individuals identify and challenge their negative thoughts. It can include relaxation techniques.
Sound Therapy
This involves using earplugs, headphones or white sound machines to block out triggering sounds.
Lifestyle Changes
Avoiding and limiting exposure to trigger sounds can be helpful. Using exercise, yoga, and meditation can manage stress and anxiety.
Another way is to communicate with friends, family, and colleagues about the condition and encourage their support.
Ineffective or Controversial Treatments
Some practiced therapies are less successful, get mixed results, or can even become harmful.
Exposure Therapy
This method is based on the idea that repeated exposure to trigger sounds will reduce sensitivity over time. However, misophonia is a neurological condition—not a fear-based one—so this approach often fails to produce positive results. In fact, the reaction to triggers can become worse in some cases.
Some research suggests that gradual, carefully guided exposure may offer limited benefits for some people. On the other hand, another study of 300 individuals found that many participants felt even worse after exposure therapy including increased anxiety, avoidance behaviors, and PTSD.
Medications
While medication might help manage related conditions like anxiety or depression, there is no drug specifically approved for treating misophonia itself.
Medical Hypnosis
Hypnosis has been explored as a potential treatment, but there is little scientific evidence to support its effectiveness for misophonia. Results are highly variable and often anecdotal.
Be cautious and discuss treatment options with a qualified professional like Hearts for Hearing to learn more.
Misophonia Management
Implementing your own coping mechanisms and seeking support from professionals can help you enjoy a better quality of life.
Contact Hearts for Hearing at 405.548.4300 for guidance and treatment options for misophonia.