What is misophonia?
Misophonia is a condition characterized by strong emotional reactions or aversions to specific sounds, often considered ordinary or benign by others. Individuals with misophonia may experience intense emotional distress, anger, anxiety, or irritation when exposed to trigger sounds, which can include chewing, lip-smacking, pen clicking, or other repetitive noises. These reactions can lead to significant discomfort and may impact daily life, social interactions, and relationships. Misophonia is not simply a dislike for certain sounds but involves an extreme and involuntary emotional response. While the exact cause of misophonia is not fully understood, it is considered a neurological or auditory processing disorder, and management strategies may involve sound therapy, counseling, or other interventions to help individuals cope with and reduce the impact of trigger sounds on their well-being.