As strange as a syndrome called selective sound sensitivity syndrome is, many people suffer from it. What is this syndrome and what are its causes?

Are you disturbed by the sounds of chewing or even breathing around you?  Do these sounds cause you stress and tantrums?  Do you feel that the suffering has no end and that those around you are unaware that your out-of-control reactions are real and not exaggerated?

If the answer is “yes”, then you have selective sound sensitivity syndrome, sometimes referred to as “misophonia”, which we will talk about in this article.

What is selective sound sensitivity syndrome or misophonia?

Misophonia is a syndrome in which certain sounds trigger emotional or physiological responses that some might find unreasonable. The reactions of those who experience it may range from anger and annoyance to panic and the need to flee.¹ Individuals with “misophonia” or selective sound sensitivity syndrome are often triggered by oral sounds;¹ the noises that someone makes when they eat, breathe, or even chew.  Other adverse sounds include the sound of a keyboard, a finger tapping, or the sound of windshield wipers.

It may sometimes reach the point that even small, repetitive motions are the cause when someone fidgets or wiggles their feet. People with “misophonia” believe that they often interact with visual stimuli that accompany sounds. They may also respond intensely to repetitive motions. Misophonia can develop at any age, although research indicates that it is most likely to develop in the early teen years. Misophonia is more common among women, as 55% to 83% of all cases are happening in women.²

The question that arises is, how do we know that we have this syndrome, and what are its symptoms? 

Symptoms of misophonia

The following symptoms, which researchers have divided into emotional, physical, and behavioral reactions based on how the person responds to trigger sounds, can assist us in determining whether we have this syndrome:

1. Emotional reactions: includes the feelings that the person experiences and they can be intense or overwhelming. For many of those affected, these feelings escalate quickly. That means irritation can soon turn into intense anger. The emotional reactions are anger, anxiety, disgust, fear, and irritation.
2. Physical reactions: includes automatic self-protective processes, most of which are similar to our normal responses when we are in a dangerous or frightening situation. For example blood pressure increases, chest pressure or tightness, Goosebumps, increased heart rates, and sweating.
3. Behavioral reactions: includes actions that occur in response to trigger sounds, and they are usually impulse- or instinct-driven. This means that a person with selective sound sensitivity syndrome may not have complete control over them, such as violent reactions towards the people or things that cause those sounds.  However, these behavioral reactions are not common among people with the syndrome.²

In severe cases, “misophonia” may lead to social isolation and avoidance of situations in which trigger sounds may occur frequently.¹ This syndrome can be dangerous as it might limit your life and social relationships. Those with “misophonia” have been known to develop anticipatory anxiety when experiencing situations in which trigger sounds are present. For example, the individual with “misophonia” may avoid restaurants, or may eat separately from their partner, family, or roommates.

Causes of selective sound sensitivity syndrome

Experts do not know the causes of “misophonia”. Yet, they suspect that these causes are a combination of factors, such as differences in brain structure, and genetic factors. Research shows that people with selective sound sensitivity syndrome are more likely to have specific differences in brain structure and activity.²  One of those differences is that there are more connections and activities in and between certain areas of the brain. The affected brain areas control how we process sounds and manage emotions. Hearing and emotions are part of the brain’s built-in self-protection system. Therefore, a person learns to associate emotions such as anger, disgust, and fear with threatening situations.

So, the brain of an individual with misophonia responds to trigger sounds like it responds to a threat and danger, which leads to the reactions or symptoms we discussed earlier.

Treatment

Living with selective sound sensitivity syndrome, or misophonia, can be difficult, but it is essential for individuals with this condition to seek professional help to effectively manage their symptoms. Although there is no cure for this syndrome, treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and voice therapy may help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.³

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify the negative thoughts and behaviors related to this condition and face them. Whereas, sound therapy uses white noise or other calming sounds to mask stimulating sounds. Raising awareness of selective sound sensitivity syndrome is critical for individuals with this syndrome to ensure that they receive the support they need to have a fulfilling life. By doing so, we can help reduce the impact of this syndrome on people’s lives and improve their life in general.

In conclusion, it is very important to understand that the reactions of those around us may not be an exaggeration, which is the case of people with selective sound sensitivity syndrome or “misophonia”, the anger of that person may be beyond his control.

In addition, understanding ourselves and our reactions, as well as avoiding anger or blaming ourselves is crucial. Our growing understanding of our behavior and the behaviors of those around us is essential for our psychological peace and for a better life.

Also read:

• Eating disorders
• Panic Disorder
• Phobia
•  

References:

[1] Web MD

[2] Cleveland Clinic

[3] Very Well Mind