Why Do I Experience A Strong Dislike Or Hatred Of Specific Sounds?

Do you have an extreme reaction in response to other people making certain sounds?

Does your irritation upon hearing the sound(s) turn to anger?

Do you feel disgusted upon hearing the sound(s) and does the disgust turn to anger?

Do you become verbally or physically aggressive to the person making the noise?

Do you get physically aggressive with objects, because of the noise?

Do you take evasive action around people making trigger sounds?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have a clinical problem with disliking or hating specific sounds. It’s not unusual for people to be irritated by some everyday sounds. However, when someone wants to scream or hit out after hearing a specific sound like clicking a pen or someone smacking their lips, the person may be suffering from misophonia. For people with misophonia those sounds are more than just bothersome: they become unbearable. This hypersensitivity to sound interferes with their daily lives, because they may panic, get angry or anxious upon hearing the sounds. This then can lead to isolation or even depression.

Based on your answers, you may be displaying a sign related to a condition called ‘misophonia’. It may be helpful to visit your doctor. Misophonia is a condition where sufferers have abnormally strong and negative reactions to ordinary sounds of humans. Triggering sounds vary among people with this condition and may change over time. The most common triggers are those that come from the mouth of other people, such as swallowing and chewing. Some people with misophonia also have visual triggers, such as nose rubbing and hair twirling. Only by visiting your doctor you will know for sure if you have misophonia and what is the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Unfortunately, you are displaying symptoms typically seen among individuals who have misophonia. It is essential to discuss your symptoms with a mental health professional. People with misophonia have an extreme and emotional reaction to certain trigger sounds. Misophonia has no cure and is a lifelong condition. However, there are some treatment options that are effective in managing the symptoms. Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is an intervention in which people are taught to better tolerate noise. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and supportive counselling may help as well. It’s still possible for people with misophonia to have successful and satisfying lives.