Do you find yourself feeling incredibly irritated or even enraged at everyday sounds such as chewing, breathing, or tapping? If so, you might be one of the millions of people around the world with misophonia.This article shares general information and lived-experience perspectives about misophonia. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or provide clinical guidance. Experiences of misophonia vary widely, and approaches that help one person may not help another. Readers seeking support or treatment advice should consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Misophonia, which means “hatred of sound,” is a complex condition that involves a heightened sensitivity to specific sounds, often resulting in intense emotional and physiological responses. It is not simply being annoyed or irritated by certain sounds; it is a genuine, whole-body response that can significantly impact daily life. Misophonia is more prevalent in the Autistic population, with a 2025 systematic review indicating a prevalence of between 12.8 % to 35.5 %, and 79 % of Autistic individuals with misophonia experience co-occurring conditions including anxiety, OCD, and hypersensitivities (Aldakhil & Shaik, 2025).The median age of onset is 12 years, after which it can persist for years or even decades.
People with misophonia often face difficulties in their personal relationships, work environments, and social interactions due to their strong reactions to triggers.
MRI studies show that people with misophonia do not have overly sensitive hearing, but measurable neurobiological differences in how the brain processes and regulates emotional reactions to certain sounds. Scans conducted by UCL/Newcastle University found changes in areas of the brain involved in detecting importance and controlling emotions, particularly the anterior insula (which acts like an internal alarm system) and the prefrontal cortex (which normally helps calm emotional responses). In people with misophonia, these regions appear to be hyperconnected, causing everyday sounds such as chewing or breathing to be automatically flagged as highly significant or threatening. As a result, emotional and physical reactions – such as anger, anxiety, or a strong urge to escape – can occur rapidly and feel involuntary (Kumar et al., 2021).
Living with misophonia can be an overwhelming and isolating experience. The condition often goes undiagnosed and is misunderstood by others, leaving individuals struggling to cope with their extreme sensitivity, and having their experience of the world discredited by friends and family.
However, people can and do develop their own personal ways of navigating sound sensitivity in daily life. In this article, we will explore the signs and experiences commonly associated with misophonia, along with examples of adjustments and supports some people find helpful in reducing sensory overload.
Misophonia can be triggered by a wide range of sounds, and the specific triggers can vary between individuals. For many individuals with misophonia, the sound of chewing can be particularly distressing. Whether it’s the sound of someone chewing gum or the repetitive noise of someone eating, it can elicit intense, emotional and physiological responses, as described by Autistic woman, Suzanne Roman in her personal account:
I’m not just merely annoyed when someone is chewing loudly. I am filled with blood-boiling rage to the point where I feel like running away or crying.
Read Living with Misophonia: “I Love You, but I Hate the Noises You Make”
Sniffing or throat clearing sounds, pen clicking, swishing sounds such as windscreen wipers, or repetitive tapping are also commonly reported triggers.
Misophonia manifests in a range of distressing symptoms that can significantly impact an individual’s daily life. In addition to anger, individuals with misophonia may also experience anxiety and distress when exposed to triggering sounds.
This can lead to avoidance behaviours, where they actively try to escape or remove themselves from situations that may involve the trigger sounds. Whilst avoidance behaviours can be immediately relieving for the person experiencing misophonia, avoidance can frequently turn into a barrier for the individual; negatively affecting social interactions and relationships, as well as limiting one’s participation in certain activities.
Another symptom of misophonia is heightened physiological responses.
When exposed to trigger sounds, individuals may experience increased temperature and/or heart rate, sweating, nausea, a tightened chest, or muscle tension. These physical manifestations can trigger a fight, flight, freeze or fawn response, further exacerbating the distress caused by the condition.
Misophonia is not yet a formally recognised diagnostic disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) or International Classification of Diseases. As a result, clinicians often consider other conditions that can look similar, overlap, or better explain a person’s experiences before (or alongside), using the descriptive label “misophonia.” It can be dismissed as symptomatic of sensory processing disorder, anxiety or mood disorder, OCD, PTSD, hyperacusis, or phonophobia (a fear of sound). While the condition shares some similar traits with these conditions, it is also different and requires its own diagnosis. Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, such as an audiologist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. They will assess the individual’s medical history, conduct a thorough interview to understand the specific triggers and symptoms experienced, and may also use questionnaires and psychological tests to further evaluate the condition.
Whilst diagnosis usually isn’t necessary for the individual to know they have misophonia, it can be a helpful and important step in ruling out any additional, co-occurring conditions that may also be impacting a person’s hearing or auditory processing.
Currently, there is no universally-agreed, clinical treatment for misophonia, and research in this area is ongoing. Different professionals and individuals may take different approaches depending on personal needs, preferences, and emerging evidence.
Some clinicians may explore therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or other psychological supports. Others discuss approaches involving adjusting sound exposure or sound environments.
Many people with misophonia also elect not to undertake any specific therapies, but instead focus on self-care and boundary setting.
Some examples of adjustments people try include:
It is important to remember that treatment options may vary depending on an individual’s specific needs and experiences. Seeking support from healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about misophonia can be invaluable in finding effective strategies for managing the condition, and improving overall quality of life.
One important step is to communicate your needs to those around you. Informing friends, family, and colleagues about your condition can help them understand why certain sounds may be distressing for you. By raising awareness, you can create a supportive environment where others can sympathise with rather than dismiss your discomfort, and provide accommodations within their control.
Start by describing what misophonia is and how it affects you personally. Help them understand that it’s not just a matter of being annoyed or irritated by certain sounds, but that it is a distinct neurological condition that causes genuine distress (or for some people, even pain) and can significantly impact your daily life. Share some examples of common trigger sounds that affect you the most, such as chewing or pen clicking.
Encourage open communication, so they feel comfortable asking questions and expressing their own feelings about the situation. Offer suggestions for ways they can help, such as being mindful of their own chewing or tapping habits when you’re around. Additionally, suggest alternative behaviors or compromises that could reduce the impact of misophonia on your interactions. If educating them seems overwhelming, you could simply share this article with them.
By educating your loved ones about misophonia, you can foster understanding, support, and ultimately strengthen your relationships.
Living with misophonia can be isolating, but finding support and community can make a world of difference. Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can provide validation, empathy, and helpful strategies for managing misophonia.
One way to find support is by joining online communities or support groups dedicated to misophonia. There are private Facebook groups for those living with misophonia and their loved ones – here, you can feel free to ask any questions, seek validation, and extend your support network of people who “get it”.
Living with misophonia can be a lifelong journey of self-discovery and acceptance. It’s important to remember that you are not alone in your experiences, and finding acceptance is a crucial step in managing this condition. Acceptance doesn’t mean resigning yourself to a life filled with distressing sounds; rather, it means acknowledging your condition and embracing strategies that work for you.
Finding acceptance starts with self-compassion. It’s easy to feel frustrated or angry about misophonia, but it’s essential to remind yourself that it’s not your fault. Misophonia is a genuine condition, and your responses to triggering sounds are valid. Give yourself permission to feel what you feel and prioritise your wellbeing.
Lastly, focus on celebrating small victories. Recognise the progress you make in managing misophonia, even if it’s just a tiny step forward. Every small win is worth acknowledging and can serve as motivation on your journey towards acceptance and a more fulfilling life.
Aldakhil, A. F., & Shaik, R. A. (2025). Misophonia in autism: A systematic review of prevalence, clinical features, and comorbidities. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 161, 105005. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2025.105005
Kumar S, Dheerendra P, Erfanian M, Benzaquén E, Sedley W, Gander PE, Lad M, Bamiou DE, Griffiths TD. (2021). The Motor Basis for Misophonia. Journal of Neuroscience. https://www.jneurosci.org/content/41/26/5762
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