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Misophonia? Let’s talk about it
Imagine feeling a wave of intense anger or panic - not because of bad news, but because someone nearby is chewing. Or tapping. Or breathing.
For most people, these sounds are mildly annoying at worst. But for those with misophonia, they can be genuinely debilitating.
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What is misophonia?
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Misophonia - literally ‘hatred of sound’ - is a condition where certain everyday sounds trigger intense emotional reactions. A disorder causing reactions such as intense anger, anxiety, or disgust that are extremely hard to control.
The triggers aren't dramatic. We're talking about chewing, sniffing, breathing, or the hum of a fluorescent light. It's the strength of the response that sets misophonia apart - not irritation, but anger, panic, or an inability to function.
First identified in 2000 and also known as Selective Sound Sensitivity Syndrome, misophonia is believed to be lifelong. The cause is still unknown, and it may sometimes occur alongside conditions like OCD or other neurodivergent profiles.
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How common Is It?
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More common than many people realise. Research from King's College London and the University of Oxford found that around 1 in 5 people in the UK - 20% of the general population - report that certain sounds cause a significant problem in their lives.
The study also found no difference between men and women, challenging the previous assumption that it affects women more, however more research is needed to know this for sure.
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What can help?
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There’s no single cure, but a range of approaches can make a real difference. A combination of therapy, sound tools, and lifestyle changes tends to work best but everyone is different, so it’s best to try different approaches to find out what helps you.
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Lifestyle and getting support
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Exercise, yoga, and meditation can ease the stress and anxiety that often accompany misophonia.
Talking openly with friends, family, and colleagues about the condition - and asking for their understanding - can also make a difference.
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Thearapy
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be very helpful. It can equip you with coping skills, challenge negative thought patterns, and change how you respond to triggers.
Some people have also found benefit from neurofeedback, hypnotherapy, and other relaxation techniques.
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Sound-based therapies
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Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) gradually retrains the brain's response by pairing trigger sounds with something positive or soothing.
Sound therapy more broadly aims to neutralise triggers entirely - for many, with professional guidance, this can make a big difference in reducing reactions.
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Ear tools
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Noise-cancelling headphones and background noise (white, pink, or brown noise) are popular day-to-day tools. Traditional earplugs can help short-term, but over-reliance can backfire - blocking all sound starves the brain of input, which can increase sensitivity to quiet sounds over time.
Products designed to filter specific unpleasant frequencies - while still letting you hear conversation and everyday sounds like traffic noise - offer a more balanced option that lets you stay alert to the world around you. An example is Flare Audio’s Calmer® range.
Calmer from Flare Audio
Flare Audio’s ear-calming tools calm down sound without any loss of detail, helping you to feel more comfortable and more in control.
Calmer® helps millions of people with sound sensitivity reduce their stress response to sound without any noticeable change to volume, by cleverly filtering triggering frequencies. Calmer filters also give you the power to turn down sound a few notches, according to your needs.
Not sure which Calmer is best for you?
See our helpful Q and As
Sleeep® earplugs help people who are easily woken by noise enjoy a longer, more restful sleep without the discomfort most other sleeping earplugs create.
Definition® Soundwaves resonate inside ears, distorting information which increases stress. Definition is a hearing tool that reduces these resonances, lowering stress and improving sound quality in noisy places.
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Living with misophonia
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If every day sounds are causing you significant distress, start by speaking to your GP. They can investigate and rule out any underlying cause, perhaps refer you to an expert or offer possible treatments.
Misophonia (and sound sensitivities) are real, but the more tools and strategies you have, the better you will be able to manage your condition.
Everyone experiences sound differently, so finding the right combination of approaches takes time. Be patient with yourself, and don't be afraid to try different things.
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Looking ahead
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Experts and sufferers agree that more research into misophonia is needed. We need to understand more about individual hearing needs and sensitivities to develop more specific, personalised approaches for people.
It’s an exciting field where one day we might have customisable ear-tool solutions that are tailored specifically to the individual.
Until then, try what’s out there and see what works for you. Everyone hears the world differently. And we’re here for it.
More good stuff on this topic from Flare Audio
Sound Sensitivities
From neurodivergence to misophonia, dip into real stories of people with sound sensitivities and how Flare calming tools have helped them here.
Read Naomi's Blog
Our Co-Founder & Co-CEO Naomi Roberts describes her experience of living with misophonia.
Film
How the film Tár - a 2022 psychological drama starring actor Cate Blanchett – raised awareness of misophonia.
Read Lisa's Blog
Sound therapist Lisa McDonald’s journey into sound therapy to promote relaxation, release stress and restore balance-one of our My Audio World series here.
Products Mentioned
Calmer® reduces stress from noise without reducing volume. Designed to be worn comfortably in the ear in noisy places where you still need to hear and communicate.
A premium range of certified ear protectors that have been specifically designed to fit the ergonomic shape of our ears. Available in a range of different colours, they feature ...
Definition® is a unique ear tool that reduces stress from noise whilst improving your listening experience. Think of them as glasses for your ears, worn to reduce stress from b...
