Understanding Misophonia and How it Can Trigger Negative Emotional Responses

Most people have not heard of misophonia. But it’s important to know about this condition because if you or someone you love develops it, it can have a big impact on the quality of life.

Misophonia is a condition in which sounds affect you in a negative way. For example, if you have misophonia you may become angry or even enraged when you hear the sound of someone chewing their food.

At Sharp Hearing Care Professionals, Dr. Kevin Sharim and his team of audiologists and hearing aid specialists are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage a full range of hearing-related conditions, including misophonia. Read on to learn about this condition, and how it can trigger negative emotional responses.

About misophonia

The word misophonia means “hatred of sound,” according to the National Institutes of Health. People with misophonia can experience an uncontrollable negative emotional reaction to certain sounds that may occur in their environment every day. 

For example, if you have misophonia you may become upset or angry when you hear other people chewing food or gum, breathing, drumming their fingers on a surface, typing, coughing, or sneezing. Barking dogs or other sounds may also trigger a reaction.

These everyday sounds can provoke a range of emotional responses, such as:

Although misophonia is a condition related to sound, it is actually considered more of a brain problem than a hearing problem. Researchers still have much to learn about this condition, but it's believed to occur as the result of irregularities in parts of the brain that control the processing and regulating of emotions.  

Misophonia typically begins during childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood, and worsens over time.

Managing misophonia

The type of treatments used to manage misophonia depending on how much the condition affects your life. Some treatments that may help include various types of mental health counseling and therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and sound therapy. Antidepressant medication may also help.

With sound therapy, which is also known as misophonia retraining therapy, you listen to pleasant sounds during a carefully calibrated program designed to reduce your reaction to trigger sounds. Over time, this can desensitize you to your triggers.

In addition, your care provider here at Sharp Hearing Care Professionals may recommend tools such as noise-canceling headphones or custom-made earmolds. It’s important to use these tools only under the supervision of an experienced hearing care provider because improper use could make you more sensitive to trigger sounds.

Total care for your hearing health

If you’re experiencing any types of hearing loss or hearing-related problems, don’t wait any longer to have a hearing evaluation, hearing test, or audiology consultation. To make an appointment, contact one of our offices in Oxnard, Santa Barbara, West Hills, or Santa Monica, California.

You Might Also Enjoy...

How to Prevent Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Living in a noisy world increases your risk of hearing loss — either in a single moment or from long-term damage over time. But it doesn’t have to. Learn how to prevent noise-induced hearing loss with earmolds.
7 Things That May Trigger Your Misophonia

7 Things That May Trigger Your Misophonia

Most people get irritated by loud noises or annoying sounds from time to time. But with misophonia, you have an intense emotional and even physical reaction to common sounds others don’t even notice. These types of sounds can trigger this response.
When Is a Hearing Test Necessary?

When Is a Hearing Test Necessary?

Hearing loss affects people of all ages, so everyone can benefit from testing. However, there are signs that can indicate a problem, making hearing tests more of a necessity. Are you worried about your hearing? Here’s when to schedule a test.
Could My Musical Child Benefit From Earmolds?

Could My Musical Child Benefit From Earmolds?

The best way to avoid noise-related hearing loss involves proactive behaviors — specifically, using hearing protection and limiting exposure to loud sounds. It’s never too early to start, especially with young musicians. Read about how earmolds help.
How Bell’s Palsy Can Affect Your Hearing

How Bell’s Palsy Can Affect Your Hearing

People often associate hearing problems with aging, but they can occur for several reasons. In fact, health conditions like Bell’s palsy can trigger hearing issues, including tinnitus and hyperacusis. Read on to learn more.
What Causes Hearing Loss?

What Causes Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss is a common problem, especially as people grow older. But why? Causes can vary depending on the type of hearing loss. It can also occur gradually, making the first signs difficult to notice — and it can start at any age.