Misophonia

Misophonia is a condition characterized by strong negative emotional reactions, including anger, disgust, anxiety, or panic, triggered by specific sounds. Common triggers include repetitive sounds made by other people, such as chewing, swallowing, sniffling, pen clicking, or keyboard tapping. The response is typically immediate and intense and is disproportionate to how most people react to the same sound. People with misophonia often report feeling a strong urge to escape the situation.

Misophonia is distinct from hyperacusis, which involves a generalized intolerance to loud or ordinary sounds across many categories. In misophonia, the response is usually specific to particular sounds, often those associated with another person's bodily functions, and the primary reaction is emotional rather than a sensation of pain or physical discomfort. It is also distinct from tinnitus, which is an internally generated sound.

Misophonia is not yet classified as a formal psychiatric or audiological disorder in major diagnostic manuals, but it is a recognized and studied phenomenon. Prevalence in the general population appears to be significant, and it can substantially affect quality of life, relationships, and participation in social situations. Management approaches include cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness-based strategies, and some tinnitus therapy techniques adapted for misophonia. In Canada, assessment may take place through audiology, psychology, or a combination of both.