Misophonia
You know the feeling when someone chews their gum too loudly? Or when they slurp their soup? Those sounds can make some people cringe, but for others, they can trigger a much more intense reaction. That's because they have a condition called "misophonia," which is a hatred of certain sounds.
Misophonia is a neurological disorder that makes people abnormally sensitive to specific sounds. These sounds can trigger a range of reactions, including anger, disgust, anxiety, and even panic attacks. For some people, even the thought of hearing a trigger sound can cause them to feel anxious.
The most common trigger sounds for people with misophonia are:
- Chewing
- Slurping
- Lip smacking
- Breathing
- Sniffling
- Coughing
- Tapping
- Clicking
Misophonia can have a significant impact on a person's life. It can make it difficult to:
- Go to work or school
- Eat in public
- Sleep
- Relax
There is no cure for misophonia, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms. These treatments include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
- Sound therapy
- Medication
There are also a number of things that people with misophonia can do to help manage their symptoms, such as:
- Avoiding trigger sounds
- Wearing earplugs or headphones to block out sound
- Using white noise to mask trigger sounds
- Learning relaxation techniques
If you think you might have misophonia, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to improve your quality of life.