Author: Melisa Sharpe, Au.D.
Misophonia is a condition characterized by strong emotional reactions to specific sounds. People with misophonia may experience feelings of irritation, anger, or anxiety in response to certain trigger sounds. The trigger sounds are often related to sounds of eating, breathing, lip-smacking, or repetitive noises. Individuals with misophonia may find it challenging to cope with everyday sounds that others may not notice or find bothersome.
The exact cause of misophonia is not fully understood. It can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life and relationships. Treatment approaches may include sound therapy, counseling, or other coping strategies to manage the emotional responses to trigger sounds. It is best treated using a multidisciplinary approach with psychology and audiology. As an Audiologist, we help rewire the auditory portion of the brain while calming the nervous system using prescriptive sound therapy.