What is Misophonia?

Misophonia, literally "hatred of sound", is a purported disorder in which negative emotions, thoughts, and physical reactions are triggered by specific sounds. It is also called "soft sound sensitivity syndrome," "select sound sensitivity syndrome" ("4S"), "decreased sound tolerance", and "sound-rage". Misophonia is not recognized as a disorder by standard diagnostic criteria, and there is no evidence-based research on its prevalence or treatment.

One study found that around 80% of the sounds were related to the mouth (eating, yawning, etc.) and around 60% were repetitive. A visual trigger may develop related to the trigger sound.

Reactions to the triggers can include aggression toward the origin of the sound, leaving, or remaining in its presence but suffering, trying to block it, or trying to mimic the sound.

The first misophonic reaction may occur when a person is young, and can originate from someone in a close relationship, or a pet.

People with misophonia are aware they experience it and that it is not normal; the disruption it causes to their lives ranges from mild to severe.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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61 Comments

Margaret O'Neill

I know it's different, but I suffer from Tinnitus, had it for years now, and how I hate it! I can have different noises in each ear, like a cacophony of sounds and yes it can drive you to despair!

Carroll Price

When it comes to the sound of a fingernail scratching across a blackboard, does anyone, NOT experience misophonia?

ninakamwene

Got it, and thank you for an excellent explanation. I hate nebulous sounds. I like nature sounds though. I prefer peace, calm, and quiet environment. No background noise for me. I like to 'hear' my thoughts, and they are many.

Charles Fish

I hate chewing sounds. Close your trap and chew. ;-)

Armadillo

Yes, I have to be very aware of who I am around.

Diana Roll

ninakamwene, You sound like me. I often say I LOVE the sound of silence. Luckily we live 30 miles from the closest town and our closest neighbor is more than a mile away😊.

Rebecca Dunlap

Leslie Burum, I have it and it's irritating to me too, but I don't expect others to change for me. That was an unfair generalization. And a disease doesn't need a basis, it just occurs. Perhaps you need to be more understanding.

Leslie Burum

I know someone with this disorder and believe me, It is a difficult thing. Wonder why I don't hang out with this person anymore...? Any noise from TV sounds, vacuuming, clicking a pen to write, chewing, the sound of a blender...etc. I know it's frustrating but it's a disease where there is no basis for it and the person expects everyone around them to bend over backwards.