It feels like just yesterday when I was sitting in my seventh-grade math class, desperately trying to concentrate. But all I could focus on was the unbearable sound that seemed to echo in my ears. It wasn’t my peers chatting or the squeaky chalk on the blackboard that bothered me; it was the relentless chewing and gum popping of the girl next to me. My heart raced, and my blood pressure skyrocketed as I tried to fend off the overwhelming feelings spiraling in my head.
What were those feelings? I had this intense urge to punch her right in the face, all because of that obnoxious chewing noise. The rage I felt surprised me. Did I really want to hit someone for chewing gum? Yes, I did—right in her gum-smacking face.
Looking back, I realize that was the moment my misophonia began, and I’ve spent almost three decades trying to manage it. Misophonia is described by the Misophonia Institute as a “severe sensitivity to specific soft sounds and visual stimuli.” It also encompasses other triggers that provoke strong emotional reactions such as anger, anxiety, and resentment. For years, I thought I was just losing my mind, struggling with an unusual sensitivity to chewing and crunching sounds.
I never mentioned it to friends or family, and I managed to cope by subtly removing myself from situations where those sounds were prevalent. Luckily, I never lashed out at the innocent chip munchers or ice chewers, even though I really wanted to.
Now I know I’m not alone; estimates suggest that over 20% of people experience some form of misophonia, typically surfacing during adolescence. As the years went by, my sensitivity worsened, and combined with the usual parenting stresses, I found it increasingly difficult to handle not just chewing but also other repetitive sounds like pencil tapping or ceiling fans. It reached a point where I struggled to be in the same room as my children and husband while they ate, which made family dinners quite challenging.
In my search for answers, I reached out to a friend with a PhD in Audiology, asking if any of her students would be interested in studying misophonia—featuring yours truly. I wanted to understand why my auditory processing seemed so off and whether there was help available for someone like me.
After a day spent with a compassionate group of PhD candidates in speech and hearing disorders, I learned much more about misophonia than I anticipated. Here are some insights:
1. I Have Super-Human Hearing.
After undergoing a series of hearing tests, it turns out I can hear things happening far away—something that explained why I never needed a baby monitor in my home. People with misophonia often have exceptional hearing and high intelligence.
2. Eating Together Helps.
When I’m actively chewing at the dinner table, the sounds of others eating seem less pronounced. I don’t know why, but if I’m not eating, every sound becomes magnified, as if their lips are right in my ear.
3. Therapies Are Evolving.
There are cognitive behavioral therapies being developed to help individuals like me. These treatments require collaboration between auditory and psychological professionals to create effective plans. Suggestions include gradually exposing oneself to triggering sounds, although I still rely on avoidance.
4. Muffle the Noises.
Earbuds are great, even when they’re not playing anything. Just having them in can soften the intensity of triggering sounds, like being underwater.
5. Movies Are Possible Again!
For years, I avoided cinemas due to the sound of popcorn crunching. Now, I can enjoy films again. With the suggestion of borrowing an assisted hearing device from the theater, I can focus on the movie while blocking out distracting noises.
6. Get Family Involved and Watch for Signs.
Leaving the audiologist’s office that day validated my experience. It was a relief to know that my struggles were real. Recent MRI studies are shedding light on how our brains process these sounds differently, and I’m now aware of the signs of misophonia in my family. One of my kids recently expressed discomfort over my chewing, just as I had at his age, and I was able to reassure him that he’s not going crazy.
If you suspect you might be experiencing misophonia, I encourage you to reach out to local universities with communications disorders programs or consult your healthcare providers. The more we share our experiences, the better chance researchers have of understanding its causes and developing treatments. This way, we can all enjoy our meals without the urge to punch anyone!
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In summary, misophonia is a real and challenging sensitivity to certain sounds that many people experience. Understanding it can lead to better coping strategies and support, allowing us to navigate this condition without feeling ashamed.