Is Misophonia Disrupting Your Life? Understanding Sound Sensitivity

Misophonia, or sometimes Selective Sound Sensitivity Syndrome is a complex and often misunderstood condition characterized by strong emotional reactions to specific sounds. Individuals with misophonia may experience intense anger or disgust when exposed to particular auditory stimuli, which are commonly known as "triggers".

The term Misophonia is derived from the Greek word “misos,” which means dislike, and “phonia,” which means speech or sound. The condition is marked by a powerful aversion to certain sounds.

Causes:

The exact cause of misophonia is not completely understood, and research is still ongoing. The occurrence of misophonia has been explained through certain research. ^[1]

Brain Chemistry:

The anterior insular cortex (AIC), is the part of the brain responsible for emotional processing and interoception, which is a process that involves perceiving and interpreting sensations in your body and may play a role in misophonia. Studies have found abnormal activity in the AIC of people with misophonia when exposed to trigger sounds.

Genetics:

Misophonia is often linked to genetics, suggesting the condition may be passed down genetically. Research conducted has shown that a genetic marker near to gene TENM2, which is involved in brain development, is linked with these triggers when hearing certain sounds.

Dr. Kunal Sood (double Board Certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine) have explained about misophonia through an Instagram video.

According to Dr. Kunal, if someone experiences a strong emotional or physical response to certain sounds, such as pen clicking, breathing loudly, or even chewing, they might experience Misophonia, which makes them feel angry, disgusted, and anxious. He also added that the exact cause is not fully understood, and treatment mainly includes cognitive behavioral therapy or sound therapy.

Misophonia can occur along with other mental health and medical conditions, including: ^[2]

• Anxiety disorders: Misophonia is thought to be associated with anxiety disorders, which include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, or panic disorder. 

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Misophonia is common in people who have OCD, which is a condition that causes intrusive thoughts and obsessive behaviors. 

• Sensory processing disorders: Some research has shown that people with misophonia may have heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli beyond trigger sounds. Sensory processing disorders like hypersensitivity to light, touch, or textures might coexist with people having misophonia and contribute to overall sensory challenges.

• Tinnitus: Tinnitus is a condition that causes the perception of ringing sounds in your ears without hearing these sounds externally. Evidence suggests that people with misophonia have a higher incidence of tinnitus than those without misophonia.

Although Misophonia isn’t officially classified as a psychiatric complaint, it can still disrupt your social life. You might find yourself avoiding social events, family refections, or indeed living with roommates, concluding rather in quiet, noise-free surroundings. The constant worry about reacting impulsively to triggering sounds can lead to feelings of isolation and even contribute to depression.

References:

1) “Misophonia.” 2025. Cleveland Clinic. February 7, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24460-misophonia.

2) Curtis, Lindsay. 2024. “What Is Misophonia?” Health. October 6, 2024. https://www.health.com/misophonia-7504905

By Dr.Noureen

^SSK