What is Misophonia: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Chewing gum, listening to the sound of clock hands, a person’s foot tapping, breathing, and snapping fingers are some examples of situations that can trigger misophonia. This clinical condition consists of a hearing sensitivity that generates a negative reaction to everyday sounds. Many people suffer from this condition, and its effects cause a deterioration in quality of life that can last over time.

Over the years, we may detect a progressive annoyance towards noises and sounds that are part of life. Instead of believing that it is a temporary condition, it is important to take into account the main manifestations to reach an effective solution. To do this, we must have accurate and effective data. In this PsychologyFor article, we will provide you with information about What is misophonia: causes, symptoms and treatment.

Causes of misophonia

To have an accurate diagnosis, one of the most practical ways is to investigate the origins of the problem. This approach will allow us to know more details and think about effective treatments. Next, we will talk about the most common causes:

Organic factors

Many people suffer alterations in the central nervous systemwhich modifies the processing of auditory information from external stimuli. In this sense, it is possible that the eardrum and/or the inner ear are affected, generating greater sensitivity to everyday sounds.

On the other hand, problems in specific areas such as the amygdala or auditory cortex can interfere with hearing. Within the organic factors, we must not forget to consider the genetic background that can manifest in people with this clinical picture.

Environmental factors

The unpleasant experiences in childhood They have a notable influence on current behaviors. For this reason, we must consider childhood traumas that may be associated with hearing sounds that cause discomfort, fear and/or uncertainty.

In this way, an emotional and physical response develops that can affect daily life.

Social factors

Social pressures, everyday stress, rules and obligations They can cause hearing loss. Likewise, we must take into account the social prejudices that can occur anywhere. In the following article we explain how to combat stress.

ymptoms of misophonia

To detect this problem in time, it is essential that we focus on the most common physical, emotional and behavioral manifestations. Here we will talk about the main symptoms:

• Hearing hypersensitivity to everyday sounds
• Nuisance
• Irritability
• Avoidance of social situations
• Social isolation
• Anxiety
• muscle tension
• Excessive sweating
• Heavy breathing
• Increased heart rate
• Headaches
• Nausea and/or vomiting

Despite the description made, it is essential that the diagnosis be made by a mental health professional specialized in the subject. To do this, aspects such as age, sex, genetic background, pre-existing diseases, presence of other mental health disorders, social and cultural context, among others, are taken into account.

Misophonia treatment

Despite the difficulties caused by misophonia, there are practical and effective methods to have a better quality of life. These approaches are highly effective in patients who have been diagnosed. In this section, we will point out the main treatments:

• Use noise canceling elements: Some materials, such as earplugs, minimize the impact of everyday sounds.
• Psychoanalytic therapy: consists of a space that invites reflection about personal problems. Within psychoanalytic therapy, a frequency of sessions is established to address the most relevant symptoms of misophonia. The objective of this treatment is to work on childhood situations that may be related to the person’s current problems. In this way, it is possible to address the unconscious causes involved in everyday sounds, allowing a different perspective on life. Psychoanalysis is one of the most effective long-term therapies.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy: This is a method that works on the emotions, thoughts and behaviors that cause the symptoms of misophonia. To do this, a work scheme is organized in which specific activities are planned that seek to solve the problem. Instead of talking about the past, cognitive behavioral therapy has a short duration.
• Drug therapy: In severe life-threatening cases, the provision of psychiatric medications may be a recommended option. However, supervision by a mental health professional is essential.
• Practice mindfulness: The mindfulness technique aims to achieve full focus on the stimuli of the present. To achieve this, you must have a relaxed place that isolates ambient sounds. After a certain time, the person should be able to control their breathing and reach an optimal level of mental relaxation. In this way, it is possible to downplay everyday sounds that could affect self-esteem.
• Environment modification: Living changes can help control misophonia symptoms. If the person lives in a noisy environment, it is preferable to opt for quiet spaces.

You may also be interested in consulting Noise intolerance due to anxiety: causes, symptoms and treatment.

This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to What is misophonia: causes, symptoms and treatment we recommend that you enter our Clinical Psychology category.

References:

• Godoy Domínguez, MJ (2019). Misophonia in an aesthetic way. THEMATA Philosophy Magazine, 60 (2), 35-48.