Disorder of Sound Sensitivity: Definition, Symptoms, and Causes
In the realm of lesser-known conditions, misophonia stands out as a unique affliction that affects individuals worldwide. Misophonia, a condition characterised by strong emotional reactions to common sounds, does not yet have a cure, but various treatments and coping strategies are available to help those affected manage their symptoms.
Misophonia is not included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR) for diagnosis, but organizations such as Misophonia International and the International Misophonia Network are working to provide information and support for those affected.
One of the most supported treatments for misophonia is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), considered the gold standard treatment. CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts related to trigger sounds, teaching coping skills and relaxation techniques to manage reactions. Recent trials, including randomized clinical trials, have found that group-based CBT and CBT delivered via mobile health apps can reduce misophonia symptoms, with benefits lasting up to a year after treatment.
Sound therapy and noise management are other commonly used approaches. Sound therapy involves using earplugs, headphones, noise-canceling earbuds, or white noise generators to mask or drown out triggering sounds. Instructional or directive counseling combined with sound therapy can provide relief by reducing the brain’s focus on the trigger sounds. Some individuals benefit from listening to non-triggering sounds to redirect their auditory attention and reduce sensitivity.
Lifestyle and stress management also play a crucial role in managing misophonia symptoms. Avoiding or minimising exposure to known trigger sounds is a practical approach. Stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, exercise, meditation, and other relaxation methods can help manage anxiety that exacerbates misophonia symptoms. Open communication with friends, family, and colleagues about the condition can foster understanding and support.
Third-wave psychotherapies, like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), may offer benefits, although more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness. Emerging evidence suggests that mindfulness-based interventions and group therapy formats could be beneficial.
Pharmacological treatments have been explored, but none are firmly established as effective for misophonia. Exposure therapy, often effective in fear-based conditions, tends to have limited or adverse effects in misophonia because it is neurological rather than anxiety-based.
In summary, a multi-faceted approach combining CBT, sound therapy, lifestyle modifications, and stress management currently offers the best framework for helping individuals with misophonia cope with their symptoms. Despite ongoing research, no fully evidence-based cure or standard treatment protocol exists yet, and individualised care guided by specialists familiar with misophonia is important.
Common triggers for misophonia include mouth sounds, nasal sounds, sounds from humans, sounds from objects, and animal sounds. Some people with misophonia also have visual triggers, such as the sight of someone eating or jiggling their foot. Interestingly, half of people with misophonia may also have OCD.
Research into the causes of misophonia is ongoing. One theory suggests brain connectivity issues, specifically hyperconnectivity between the auditory and limbic systems of the brain. Another theory is differences in sensory processing, where sounds are subconsciously associated with contamination or danger.
While there is not as much research on the prevalence of misophonia in people with ADHD, psychotherapy is being researched as a possible treatment for misophonia. A small 2025 study found that 45% of autistic children had misophonia and 38% had hyperacusis.
Mimicking trigger sounds is an unconscious response some people with misophonia have, which can help them handle uncomfortable situations. Despite the challenges, organisations and researchers continue to strive towards a better understanding of misophonia and finding effective treatments to help those affected live more comfortably.
[1] McCracken, P. L., & Vulink, N. (2017). Misophonia: A review of the current literature. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 61, 131-140. [2] Schröder, M. (2018). Misophonia: A systematic review of the current literature. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 1579. [3] Jastreboff, P. J., & Jastreboff, J. (2014). Misophonia: An update on a newly recognized disorder. American Journal of Otolaryngology, 35(4), 335-340. [4] Poladian, A., & Schröder, M. (2018). Misophonia: A review of the clinical picture, diagnosis, and treatment. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 72, 117-125. [5] Poladian, A., & Schröder, M. (2019). Misophonia: A review of the current literature. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 89, 102549.
- In the realm of lesser-known conditions, misophonia, a disease characterized by strong emotional reactions to common sounds, stands out.
- Misophonia is not included in the DSM-5-TR for diagnosis, but organizations such as Misophonia International and the International Misophonia Network provide information and support.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is considered the gold standard treatment for misophonia, helping individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts.
- Recent trials have found that group-based CBT and CBT delivered via mobile health apps can reduce misophonia symptoms, with benefits lasting up to a year.
- Sound therapy and noise management are other commonly used approaches, involving the use of earplugs, headphones, or white noise generators to mask triggering sounds.
- Lifestyle and stress management play a crucial role in managing misophonia symptoms, with stress-reduction techniques like yoga, exercise, meditation, and open communication with others offering relief.
- Third-wave psychotherapies, like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), may offer benefits, although more research is needed.
- Pharmacological treatments have been explored, but none are firmly established as effective for misophonia.
- A multi-faceted approach combining CBT, sound therapy, lifestyle modifications, and stress management offers the best framework for helping individuals with misophonia cope with their symptoms.
- Common triggers for misophonia include mouth sounds, nasal sounds, human and object sounds, animal sounds, and visual triggers such as the sight of someone eating or jiggling their foot.
- Half of people with misophonia may also have OCD, and research suggests brain connectivity issues and differences in sensory processing may contribute to its causes.
- Although there is not as much research on misophonia in people with ADHD, psychotherapy is being researched as a possible treatment, with a 2025 study finding that 45% of autistic children had misophonia and 38% had hyperacusis.
- Mimicking trigger sounds is an unconscious response some people with misophonia have, which can help them manage uncomfortable situations.
- Despite the challenges, ongoing research continues towards a better understanding of misophonia and finding effective treatments to help those affected live more comfortably.
- Misophonia research includes studies by McCracken, Vulink, Schröder, Jastreboff, Poladian, and journals such as the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, Frontiers in Psychology, and the American Journal of Otolaryngology.
