What is Misophonia?

Misophonia is an extreme emotional reaction to ordinary sounds

As a parent, it's natural to feel concerned when your child exhibits strong emotional reactions to everyday phenomena. One example is in relation to sounds. Of course, we all have noises that we find annoying, but for some children, this isn't just an annoyance — it's a condition called misophonia.

Misophonia is characterised by intense emotional reactions to specific sounds, often referred to as "trigger sounds." These sounds vary from person to person but frequently include the sound of chewing, tapping or breathing, or repetitive noises like pen clicking and paper rustling. People with the condition report an intense feeling of disgust, anger, distress, or panic that escalates while the sound is still present, and this can happen even when the sound is at a very low volume. While not yet formally recognised as a distinct diagnosis in all medical manuals, misophonia is gaining recognition as a real and impactful condition.

Misophonia may co-occur with other conditions, such as:

Sensory Processing Disorder (“SPD”), where children are hypo and/or hypno sensitive to various sensory inputs including noise but also extending to sight, touch, smell and taste etc

Anxiety or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ("OCD") reactions to sound can be linked with anxiety triggers or obsessive tendencies.

Neurodivergent conditions such as Autism Spectrum Condition ("ASC") or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ("ADHD"), where sensory sensitivities are common.

Children with misophonia may exhibit signs such as extreme irritation, anger, or distress when hearing a specific sound; avoidance of situations where triggering sounds are likely, for example family meals; difficulty focusing or concentrating due to background noise and physical reactions, like covering their ears or leaving the room. These responses are often disproportionate to the noise and may affect daily life and social interaction.

Misophonia is typically diagnosed through interviews with healthcare professionals who specialise in sensory processing or auditory disorders such as an Occupational Therapist or an Audiologist. A comprehensive assessment may involve ruling out other conditions such as hyperacusis (sound sensitivity) or hearing impairments; exploring the child’s emotional and behavioural responses to specific sounds and understanding the broader context of the child's experiences, such as sensory processing issues or anxiety.

Unfortunately, misophonia can profoundly affect a child’s quality of life. They may struggle with family, friends and adults in authority who may not understand their response and regard them as over reacting, particularly in a school setting. Feelings of isolation, frustration, and/or of being misunderstood can negatively impact their emotional wellbeing and their academic performance might suffer due to difficulties concentrating in noisy environments, like classrooms.They may also avoid places where triggering sounds are common such as playgrounds or cinemas, leading to social isolation.

While there’s no magic wand to eliminate misaphonia, several strategies can help manage its impact. In the first place it is important to validate your child’s experience and feelings and let them know you understand the effect it has on them and that you’re there to help. Consider noise-cancelling tools such as earplugs, noise-cancelling headphones, or white noise machines. Cognitive-behavioral therapy ("CBT") or sound-based therapies may also help children manage their emotional responses, as may mindfulness and relaxation techniques which can help the child regulate stress and emotions. Education is also important, to talk to their teachers and caregivers to create accommodating environments.

SEND Advocacy can support you to advocate for your child and young person and obtain the support they require to thrive not just survive. If you need someone in your corner to help you secure the education your child deserves, contact SEND Advocacy today.