What is Misophonia?

The literal translation of misophonia is, "hatred of sound."

I refuse to see a movie until it has been in theaters for at least four weeks. My family and friends know not to even ask. In fact, they rarely suggest seeing a movie in theaters at all anymore, and it's not because of Covid. It's because of popcorn. Popcorn Chompers, actually. Irritatingly loud, smacking, mouth breathing, POPCORN CHOMPERS!

Popcorn Chompers send a subconscious signal to my brain that activates my "fight" or "flight" response. I can't control it, and it's difficult to explain. But, at the moment my senses register the sound of Popcorn Chompers, I have two options and only seconds to decide.

Option 1: Fight. March over to that Popcorn Chomper and punch them right in the Chomper hole. What? Yes, that's the feeling. Punch them smack dab in the mouth and end the excruciating, debilitating pain, immediately! I mean, they are causing me pain so why not return the favor? Right?

Or

Option 2 Flight. Immediately flee the scene. Leave everything, cover my ears and run full-speed through the door. Don't stop. Run! Run to the car and drive. Drive anywhere. Just get as far away from the Popcorn Chompers as I can, as quickly as I can.

So, which of the options would you chose? I, thankfully, go with neither at this point in my life because I have researched misophonia and learned coping mechanisms. I either take ear plugs with me, move my seat, or just avoid the situation entirely by staying home. I have also asked the ticket attendants to lend me headphones. (The theater provides headphones for the hearing impaired.)

But, it's not just me. Research is still in the early phase but misophonia support groups are gaining popularity across social media. Several medical journals, including a 2018 article from Psychology Today, estimate up to 20% of Americans have some form of misophonia. What's worse, COVID may have increased the number.

There is currently no evidence-based treatment for misophonia. And, in case you were wondering, repeated exposure amplifies the symptoms.

Duke University is conducting research in an effort to validate misophonia as a disorder. If you or someone you know is suffering from misophonia, please, reach out. Join a community. Find a support group on Facebook. Above all else, do not let anyone tell you misophonia is not real. It is real and there are plenty of sufferers, of all ages, to prove it.

Additional Information/Articles/Resources

Misophonia International: Suffering Without Silence

Examining Emotional Functioning in Misophonia

Free Resources

Nadina Jones on LinkedIn