Stop Making That Noise!

Have you ever found yourself highly annoyed by the sound of someone tapping on the table, the constant clicking of a ballpoint pen, loud chewing or rustling paper?

When I was in high school I had a history teacher who made all the girls remove charm bracelets that tended to jingle. She also would not allow the use of retractable ballpoint pens.

We just thought she was a bit quirky. There is actually a condition known as misophonia which causes agitation in some individuals at what might be considered everyday sounds.

What is misophonia?

Previously known as selective sound sensitivity, the term misophonia is from the Greek, meaning the "hatred of sound."¹

I chose this subject to explore once I realized that I have misophonia. Although my form is mild, reaction to sounds may range from uneasiness and anxiety to extreme anger or rage. Everyone's reaction can be different.¹

There may be an association between Parkinson’s disease and tinnitus (hearing ringing or other noises in 1 or both ears.) One study also shows that misophonia is prevalent among patients with tinnitus.^1-3

As a person with Parkinson's and someone with misophonia, I'm interested in understanding more about the relationship between these conditions. Researchers are not yet sure what causes misophonia, but a few studies have been done to better understand the brain chemistry behind the condition.

How is it diagnosed?

Because the study of misophonia is relatively recent, there is no definitive method of diagnosis. A questionnaire completed by the patient and observation of reactions plus an audiological test will sometimes determine if misophonia is present.¹

Impact on daily life

Seriously negative emotional reactions to these everyday sounds can result in social isolation and avoidance. A flight or fight impulse is common. Anxiety levels can become overwhelming and some sufferers may lash out at the person responsible for the annoyance.

How is it treated?

With the exception of medications meant to relieve anxiety, there is no cure for the condition. Coping mechanisms can be very successful for a large number of people.

Surprisingly some methods may seem counter intuitive. Rather than over protecting hearing or silence, trying to develop tolerance seems to be encouraged. The following coping strategies have helped me deal with the challenges and have made me more tolerant of others:

• Using white noise or calming music as a distraction
• Using ear plugs in specific situations
• Reinforcement of positive sounds
• Working to decrease your negative reaction to the noise
• Humming under your breath or another strategy to make the annoying sound more tolerable