Misophonia is an extreme sensitivity to certain sounds that can result in distraction, pain, and adverse reactions. This disability can limit the individual’s ability to concentrate, think, learn, and interact with others.
When a Misophonia person hears a trigger sound, they have an extreme and uncontrollable reaction, often of anger and disgust. They have an unrealistic powerful need to stop the sounds. It leads to frustration, anger, and sometimes rage. Emotions are built up and do not have a release mechanism. Rage, fury, frustration, and inability to cope are built up to an explosion point. These reactions are NOT volitional – the person with the Misophonia can truly not control these extreme reactions.
We are unsure of what causes Misophonia. Research has found that about 40% of people with Misophonia, have a relative with similar sound sensitivities. Some studies have also indicated a link between Misophonia and vitamin deficiency however there is not enough research done to correlate a direct link.
Misophonia often follows a trigger sound. Trigger sounds are sounds that cause distraction, pain and/or an adverse reaction. Trigger sounds are not the same for every person with Misophonia. The most common triggers are mouth sounds like chewing and heavy breathing. Sometimes only certain people will trigger the individuals. For example, the individual cannot eat dinner with their younger sibling, but they can eat with their friend.
Can you outgrow Misophonia?
Our experience indicates that people do not outgrow Misophonia. At best, we see that individuals learn how to make accommodations for it like finding professions that allow them to work in areas with few triggers. Unfortunately, we often see individuals that have to isolate themselves for extended periods of time to avoid triggers.
Exposure therapy does not work. It may work for other sensitivities often treated by psychologists or occupational therapists, but it only creates pain and anguish for the Misophonia sufferer with no benefit.
Do ear plugs or earphones help?
Misophonia ear plugs and earphones, while sometimes giving temporary relief, create more harm than good. The brain realizes when sound is reduced and, if reduced for long periods of time, tries to increase the volume within the brain. We call this central gain. The perception of loudness becomes distorted. The brain becomes used to softer volumes all around and then normal sounds heard without hearing protection are perceived as too loud. The brain, always on the lookout for the trigger sounds, kicks into overdrive, creating a situation in which a person will unconsciously search more intently and become even more sensitive to trigger sounds.
Misophonia Treatment in Naperville
Treatment for Misophonia uses a three-pronged approach:
Reduce the impact of the trigger using sound generation with devices which do not most often occlude the ear canal. Sound generators can have both white noise generated within the devices as well as fractal tones which can help the brain to relax. Most devices all for streaming.
Learn to control the brain’s focus and start to rethink the meaning and impact of the sounds and create new neuronal connections. (Made # 3 # 2 and wrote a different #3)
Seek a wholistic approach to help manage anticipatory anxiety and work on techniques that are multi-sensory and can help better manage challenging environments.
Misophonia therapy can be a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which can be of great value. It can help patients rethink the sounds and how they can react to them. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is best when used in conjunction with sound therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy does not dispense sound generators which can help reduce the impact of the trigger sounds. Sometimes counseling is recommended for the individual and their family due to the disruption Misophonia can cause within the family. Why does one child get to listen to music at the table when the others don’t? Why is one child perceived as special and pushes around siblings or gets “special treatment?” An specialized audiologist trained in Misophonia, can help families address ways to modify their environment and can work closely with a psychologist or social worker that the individual or family is seeing to help with family dynamics or other special needs of a patient in this regard. We take a team approach with other health professionals when necessary (i.e occupational therapist or functional neurologist).
How to Cure Misophonia
As of yet, we do not have a Misophonia “cure” but we have good ways to work with individuals and their families to help manage the situations that individuals encounter day to day. Studies continue to expand but there are none showing a definitive answer. People with Misophonia have been told in the past that, “Misophonia is a chronic condition that cannot be cured. We will help you learn to live with it.” However, audiologists and other specialists in clinics across the country have patients that report improved quality of life when working with a specialist such as an audiologist, obtaining on-ear sound generators and doing talk therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy. This is not a guaranteed outcome but if you are motivated to improve the quality of life related to misophonia, it is our goal and we will work closely with you and your family/significant others.
Licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist | Veteran | Medical Professional
John Paul Schaeffer is a dedicated Hearing Instrument Specialist and veteran with a diverse background in emergency medicine, military service, and healthcare. His career has focused on improving patient care through a combination of medical expertise and advanced hearing healthcare.
John’s journey began at 14 as a volunteer firefighter, and by 16, he was an EMT with the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad. At 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving with the 2nd Marine Division and providing battlefield medicine during two tours in Iraq. He balanced this with earning an associate degree and later worked in emergency medicine and medical transport.
Transitioning into hearing healthcare, John managed Miracle-Ear clinics across Virginia and the Carolinas before co-founding a private clinic. His commitment to patient care and innovative approaches led to the growth of community outreach programs and mobile clinics for underserved populations.
Currently with Revolution Hearing, John continues to provide personalized hearing solutions, dedicated to improving the lives of his patients.
Our Provider
Megan Zablan, HIS
Hearing Instrument Specialist
Megan has spent the past 25 years in Virginia Beach, where she developed her passion for the hearing aid industry, inspired by her mother, a dedicated hearing aid specialist. With 10 years of experience, Megan is committed to providing personalized care and building strong, lasting relationships with each client. She takes the time to understand their unique hearing needs and deliver the highest level of service. Outside of work, Megan enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Chewie and Adobo, playing board games, and staying active with pickleball. Her mission is simple: to help people hear better and improve their quality of life. Megan is dedicated to making sure every client receives the best possible care on their hearing journey.
Cognitive therapy can effectively help treat misophonia by addressing the negative emotional responses to trigger sounds and promoting healthier coping strategies. This therapeutic approach aims to reduce sensitivity and improve overall quality of life for individuals affected by misophonia.
Are there any natural remedies for misophonia?
Natural remedies for misophonia include mindfulness practices, deep breathing exercises, and exposure therapy, which can help manage sensitivity to trigger sounds. Additionally, herbal supplements like chamomile or valerian root may promote relaxation.
How does exposure therapy help with misophonia?
Exposure therapy helps with misophonia by gradually exposing individuals to trigger sounds in a controlled environment, allowing them to desensitize and reduce their emotional reactions over time. This process can lead to improved coping mechanisms and decreased anxiety associated with these sounds.
What are the most effective treatments for misophonia?
The most effective treatments for misophonia include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), sound therapy, and exposure therapy, which help individuals manage their reactions to trigger sounds and develop coping strategies.
Can misophonia be cured or treated?
Misophonia can be managed but not cured. Treatment options, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and sound therapy, can help reduce sensitivity to trigger sounds and improve coping strategies.
What is the most effective treatment for misophonia?
The most effective treatment for misophonia involves a combination of sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and exposure therapy, which help individuals manage their reactions to trigger sounds and reduce anxiety associated with them.
Are there any medications for treating misophonia?
Medications for treating misophonia may include anti-anxiety medications or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), but their effectiveness can vary. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for personalized treatment options.
How does counseling help misophonia sufferers?
Counseling helps misophonia sufferers by providing coping strategies, emotional support, and techniques to manage their reactions to trigger sounds, ultimately improving their quality of life and reducing anxiety associated with the condition.
Can mindfulness exercises help manage misophonia?
Mindfulness exercises can help manage misophonia by promoting awareness and acceptance of triggers, reducing anxiety, and enhancing emotional regulation. This practice encourages individuals to focus on the present moment, which may lessen the intensity of their reactions to specific sounds.
What is the role of CBT in misophonia treatment?
The role of CBT in misophonia treatment is to help individuals manage their emotional responses to trigger sounds. By changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, CBT can reduce anxiety and improve coping strategies related to misophonia.
What is exposure therapy for misophonia?
Exposure therapy for misophonia is a therapeutic approach that gradually exposes individuals to triggering sounds in a controlled environment, helping them reduce their sensitivity and emotional response to these noises over time.
What is the role of relaxation techniques in misophonia treatment?
The role of relaxation techniques in misophonia treatment is to help individuals manage their anxiety and stress responses triggered by specific sounds, promoting a sense of calm and reducing the intensity of their emotional reactions.
Does sound therapy work for misophonia treatment?
Sound therapy can be effective for misophonia treatment by gradually desensitizing individuals to triggering sounds, helping them manage their emotional responses. However, results may vary, and it's best to consult a professional for personalized guidance.
Can misophonia be treated with mindfulness exercises?
Mindfulness exercises can be beneficial in managing misophonia symptoms. They help individuals cultivate awareness and acceptance of their reactions to trigger sounds, potentially reducing emotional distress and improving coping strategies.
How does TRT help in treating misophonia?
TRT helps in treating misophonia by using a combination of sound therapy and counseling to reduce the emotional response to triggering sounds, promoting habituation and improving overall tolerance to specific auditory stimuli.
Does sound therapy reduce misophonia symptoms?
Sound therapy can help reduce misophonia symptoms by providing a consistent auditory environment that may lessen sensitivity to trigger sounds, ultimately promoting relaxation and improving coping mechanisms.
What triggers misophonia attacks in individuals?
Misophonia attacks in individuals are triggered by specific sounds, such as chewing, tapping, or breathing, which provoke intense emotional reactions like anger or anxiety. These responses can vary in intensity depending on the individual and their sensitivity to certain noises.
How can family support misophonia sufferers?
Family can support misophonia sufferers by fostering understanding and patience, minimizing triggering sounds, and encouraging open communication about their needs and feelings. This creates a more comfortable environment for those affected.
Are there specialized therapies for misophonia?
Specialized therapies for misophonia include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and sound therapy, which aim to help individuals manage their reactions to triggering sounds and improve coping strategies.
What role does genetics play in misophonia?
The role of genetics in misophonia is significant, as research suggests a hereditary component that may predispose individuals to heightened sensitivity to specific sounds. Genetic factors can influence how the brain processes auditory stimuli, contributing to the condition.
How effective is cognitive behavioral therapy for misophonia?
The effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for misophonia is notable, as it helps individuals manage their emotional responses to trigger sounds, reducing anxiety and improving coping strategies.
What lifestyle changes alleviate misophonia symptoms?
Lifestyle changes that alleviate misophonia symptoms include practicing mindfulness, reducing exposure to trigger sounds, using noise-canceling headphones, and creating a calming environment to help manage stress and anxiety.
Are there support groups for misophonia sufferers?
Support groups for misophonia sufferers do exist, providing a space for individuals to share experiences, coping strategies, and support one another in managing their sensitivities to sound.
What is desensitization therapy for misophonia?
Desensitization therapy for misophonia is a treatment approach that gradually exposes individuals to triggering sounds in a controlled manner, helping them reduce sensitivity and emotional reactions over time.
How is misophonia diagnosed by professionals?
The diagnosis of misophonia by professionals typically involves a comprehensive assessment that includes patient interviews, symptom questionnaires, and sometimes hearing tests to evaluate the individual's reactions to specific sounds.
What coping mechanisms help manage misophonia?
Coping mechanisms that help manage misophonia include using noise-canceling headphones, practicing mindfulness techniques, and creating a personal sound environment to minimize trigger noises. Engaging in deep breathing exercises can also aid in reducing anxiety associated with sound triggers.
Are there commercial products designed for misophonia relief?
Commercial products designed for misophonia relief do exist, including noise-canceling headphones, white noise machines, and specialized apps that help manage sound sensitivity and provide coping strategies.
What are the long-term effects of untreated misophonia?
The long-term effects of untreated misophonia can include increased anxiety, social isolation, and difficulty concentrating, often leading to significant emotional distress and negatively impacting relationships and daily functioning.
How can sound masking assist with misophonia?
Sound masking can assist with misophonia by creating a consistent background noise that helps to drown out triggering sounds, reducing their emotional impact and making it easier for individuals to focus and relax in environments where they might otherwise feel overwhelmed.
What research exists on misophonia treatments?
Research on misophonia treatments indicates that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy show promise in alleviating symptoms. Additionally, sound therapy and mindfulness techniques are being explored as potential interventions to help individuals manage their reactions.
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