Hatred of Sound

A Fit of Rage Makes You Unfit

Crunchy Crisps Make You Cringe

The sound of nail/chalk scraped against a blackboard, a fork on a glass or squealing cycle brakes are extremely annoying noises/sounds in general. A handful of people go overboard and find even the common ever day sounds such as clicking a pen, eating crisps or snoring trigger a feeling that makes them want to scream or hit. Such people might suffer from misophonia, a disorder where people have abnormally strong and negative reactions to common sounds such as chewing, crying or even breathing. Ask yourself these following questions and seek help if your answer is ‘yes’ to any of these:
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1. Your 4-year-old yawns and it creates a fight-or-flight reaction in you
2. You spouse ardently relishes a packet of crisps that makes you angry in a jiffy
3. You don’t dine out as you simply can’t stand the sound of chewing
4. You feel like slapping a crying baby as the noise makes you anxious and angry
   
   

Misophonia
Individuals with misophonia (the word means ‘hatred of sound’) are extremely affected by the common sounds made by other individuals that most of us don’t even pay attention to. This disorder remains unexplored and rarely studied as people suffering from it don’t mention it to their healthcare providers due to embarrassment and avoid social contact isolating themselves from gatherings to avoid any sounds that could trigger them emotionally. This cripples the treatment options available making it even more annoying. Misophonia affects the mental health of the affected person as it hinders the functioning and socializing capability and this can start any time after the age of 12.

Research
A new study analyzed 20 adults with misophonia and 22 adults without it asking both the groups to rate the unpleasantness of different sounds. Common sounds such as eating and breathing, universally disturbing sounds such as baby crying and people screaming and neutral sounds such as rain were included in the rating list. People with misophonia rate common sounds such as eating and breathing to be highly disturbing and both groups rate universally disturbing sounds to be annoying as well. This shows that individuals with misophonia are greatly affected by even the slightest sounds but don’t show much difference regarding other types of sounds (neutral and disturbing sounds). The study team analyzed that the part of the brain that joins our senses with our emotions (the anterior insular cortex [AIC]) was extra active and connected/wired to other brain parts differently in people with misophonia. The AIC specifically caused increased reaction in parts of the brain responsible for long-term memory, fear and other emotions. They also revealed that anger not disgust was the most common reaction of these people when they hear trigger sounds.

A whole-brain MRI scan mapping participants’ brains revealed that people with misophonia had higher amounts of myelination. Myelin is a fatty substance that covers nerve cells in the brain to provide electrical insulation (just like insulation on a wire). But, we still don’t know if this is one of the reasons for extreme sensitivity to certain sounds.

Diagnosis
Misophonia is not classified as an auditory condition and there are no standard diagnostic criteria. Generally, people become self-aware with the symptoms. Physicians and researchers are still confused whether misophonia must be classified as a symptom or as a condition.

Individuals with this disorder experience muscle tightness, increased heartbeat, body temperature, blood pressure and chest pressure that can affect his/her physical health. One study even found that 52.4% people with misophonia could also be diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD).

Common Triggering Agents
Research shows that certain sounds cause increased reaction than few others. They include:

• Eating sounds (81% of study participants)
• Loud breathing or sounds that are connected to the nose (64.3%)
• Finger/hand sounds (59.5%)

Even repeated actions such as shaking your knee triggers an aggressive response. Surprisingly, it is mostly we humans who make most of the sounds that trigger misophonia. A dog eating a bowl of food causes no misophonic response.

Treatment
The condition affects quality of life, but it is manageable. Certain relief methods include:

1. Some people wear a hearing aid or ear phones to drown out triggering sounds. Instead, they might create the sound of a waterfall or other pleasant ones.
2. Individuals avoid social gatherings which are high-risk areas that can cause offensive sounds.
3. Set up safe/quiet areas in your house where you are most unlikely to be disturbed due to noises that bother you.
4. Lead a healthy lifestyle that includes plenty of exercise, nutritious foods and quality sleep such that you minimize your stress levels in life. Stress is like a slow poison that can damage your life if you don’t intervene at the right stage. Simple techniques to combat stress and lead a peaceful life are given at www.firsteatright.com.
5. Physicians offer treatments in the form of auditory distraction (blackening out noises using headphones) and cognitive behavioral therapy.

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