Misophonia: An Overview

Abstract

Misophonia is a relatively new term in the field of audiology, and there currently is no evidence-based research available on this topic; nevertheless, there are patients suffering with misophonia who are seeking help. This article provides both historical and current definitions of misophonia, as well as controversy regarding the definition. In addition, current demographics and symptoms will be presented and discussed. Patient history forms and questionnaires will guide the clinician in determining if the patient symptoms are associated with misophonia. Some patients will be satisfied with a diagnosis, whereas other patients will seek treatment. Current audiological management options are based on habituation theories used for tinnitus patients and research to guide clinicians is limited. Research is needed to determine not only the etiology and pathophysiology of misophonia but also associated symptoms, possible hereditary factors, and other disease entities that may present as misophonia. Validated questionnaires and tests to measure treatment outcomes are needed to provide best practice treatment options.Learning Outcomes: As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to (1) define misophonia and (2) describe the symptoms associated with misophonia.

An extreme physical reaction in misophonia: stop smacking your mouth!

“…Instead of current nomenclature, some other names such as the Select (or Soft) Sound Sensitivity Syndrome (4S), Decreased Sound Tolerance, and the Sound Rage are also used for misophonia [6]. The prevalence and incidence of misophonia are not well known [8]. Although the gender or age involvements are not yet clearly specified, it is typically reported among the prepubescent girls [9].…”

“…Misophonia has not yet been identified in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) nor in the tenth revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) [5]. Moreover, it is neither classified as a hearing and neurological nor a psychiatric disorder in the available literature [8]. Misophonia is thus reported as a possible unknown condition of psychiatric prevalence.…”

“…It may be caused by a dysfunction of the central auditory system in the brain instead of the ears as in the tinnitus and hyperacusis [9]. Misophonia is differentiated from the hyperacusis that is not unique to a particular sound or incapable of initiating the same robust response [8]. It is also differentiated from phonophobia, which is a fear (rather than a hatred) of a particular sound [10].…”

Misophonia: A Systematic Review of Current and Future Trends in This Emerging Clinical Field

“…Furthermore, misophonia can develop in the absence of any peripheral or central auditory pathology [ 10 ]. Additionally, the specificity of the triggering stimuli suggests that the symptoms are unlikely to be caused by an alteration of the auditory system [ 11 ].…”

Misophonia: A scoping review of research

“…The research literature has noted a steady increase in the number of misophonia cases over the last decade (Hadjipavlou, Baer, Lau, & Howard, ; Schwartz et al, ; Wu et al, ). Consequently, there has also been a rise in the number of relevant research studies (Duddy & Oeding, ), gradually compiling an evidence base for this new and independent condition. A point has now been reached where the literature on misophonia needs to be cataloged purposefully to provide an account of the current research position and guide future research priorities.…”