If you find it difficult to tolerate certain sounds, you might get a little bit of closure to know that you may have a condition that’s causing the irritation.
Whether you feel sudden agitation or anger over something simple like hearing another person eat, drink, or breathe, there could be a little-known reason as to why.
Known as ‘sound rage’ or the 'phobia of specific sounds', one in five adults go about their days with this feeling.
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The condition causes a negative reaction to certain sounds, some which may be very mild like a sneeze, or cough.
However, misophonia is no joke for the person who is living with it, and it can even go as far as to ruin relationships.
This is due to the varying reactions a person with misophonia may have, but not everyone knows about this disorder.
In fact, only 14% of people recognise what it actually is.
So, what are the symptoms to look out for to find out whether you are suffering from it or not?
It’s all about the sound.
If your sibling used to kick you underneath the table during mealtime, complaining about your open mouth chewing, that’s a good clue for misophonia.
While some people may experience general annoyance, others could have a sudden fight-or-flight response to an innocuous sound, leading to them avoiding seemingly normal situations in a hurry.
In very severe cases, a person may react so strongly to something around them - either with words or actions - that they don’t have time to think before they behave in a way that’s upsetting to others.
In those situations, it’s common for the person with misophonia to recognise and regret what they did afterward.
But they may still struggle to control similar reactions in the future.
It is a real disorder that can affect a person's ability to function in social settings, such as a dinner party or enclosed space cramped with other people.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, it is categorised as ‘a disorder where you have a decreased tolerance to specific sounds and things you can sense related to them’.
The Clinic lists symptoms as:
- Anger.
- Anxiety.
- Disgust.
- Fear.
- Irritation.
- Blood pressure increases.
- Chest pressure or tightness.
- Goosebumps (gooseflesh).
- Heart rate increases.
- Sweating.
- Avoiding situations where trigger sounds can happen.
- Leaving the area when a trigger sound happens.
- Verbal or vocal reactions, such as talking or yelling at who/what made the sound).
- Non-violent action to stop the sound.
- Violent action to stop the sound (rare).
Dr Jane Gregory, a clinical psychologist at the University of Oxford is co-authoring an upcoming scientific paper from King's College London that show that 18% of adults in the UK suffer from it.
She claims that many who suffer with misophonia can struggle to understand what it is, and to bring it up to loved ones.
She said: "You are essentially telling someone ‘The sound of you eating and breathing – the sounds of you keeping yourself alive – are repulsing me'. It's really hard to find a polite way to say that."
This is why misophonia could eventually lead to the breakdown of a relationship, as the disorder won’t allow the person to tolerate the certain sound.
However, if you know someone who displays all of these characteristics during mealtime, outings or enclosed spaces, gently show them an article (like this one) on misophonia so that they can understand why they react the way they do.
Do you resonate with these symptoms?
Topics: Health, Sex and Relationships, UK News, Mental Health, Science
Britt Jones