Misophonia: The Emotional Impact of Everyday Sounds

Misophonia is a condition where certain sounds, known as triggers, can cause emotional distress. These triggers can be everyday sounds like coughing, slurping, sneezing, and snorting. According to estimates, one in five people is affected by misophonia. The triggers often involve food and eating, making activities like dinner with family a torture for those suffering from misophonia. For misophonia sufferers, even innocuous sounds like helicopters flying in the sky can create problems, leading to a fight or flight response. The emotional impact of misophonia is described as an uncontrollable and sudden reaction similar to receiving news of the death of a loved one.