Do you know someone who is absolutely disgusted with the way a particular coworker eats their chili or crunches their chips? Maybe you’ve gotten along perfectly fine with someone on the job, but once you enter the lunch or meeting room they become rude and impatient and beeline it to the exit? I am no longer ashamed to say, I am some of the people I’ve described. I have misophonia.
Misophonia comes from the Greek word, “hatred of sound” and people who have it say that certain sounds drive them crazy. It becomes more of a disorder when there is extreme sensitivity to specific sounds that trigger psychological or emotional responses ranging from panic to sheer anger and everything in between. This hypersensitivity prompts the fight or flight mode in our nervous system, causing reactions like fleeing, covering the ears, uncomfortable confrontations, etc. Which might not be appropriate in the workplace given the time, person, situation, etc.
Personally, I’m a big fan of escaping when hearing rage-induced sounds, especially very particular eating sounds. Picture 100 zombies eating rotten, smooshy brains with their hands tied behind their backs. Quite frankly, if I don’t leave I just might confront the person about the grotesque sounds they are making in a loud tone, and that’s just not nice. Unfortunately, anger fills my soul when hearing these noises in the context of the workplace, so I flee. However, that is not always an option at work. If you or anyone you know is experiencing any of these problems keep reading.
A little aside here – I’ve always known about my sensitivity to specific sounds, but it wasn’t until recently that I understood how much more common it was than I thought. I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts, Ologies with Alie Ward, about Misophonology with Dr. Jane Gregory. The lightbulb lit so brightly it blew! So, a big thanks to Alie and Dr. Jane for this episode. Also, I will be purchasing her book, Sounds Like Misophonia: How to Stop Small Noises from Causing Extreme Reactions. That said, there might be a part 2 to this blog post given her more recent research and findings on a relatively new area of study.
Below you will find a quick and easy read to understand misophonia. This information may be important for you and/or your coworkers. I wish I knew what was going on with my brain when I was deep in 12 pages, 50 rows, 10 columns, of spreadsheets on a 10” screen with Roy behind me slurping his soup or whatever he was eating, but better late than never!
Common Triggers
Misophonia often involves specific “trigger sounds” that can vary from person to person. Some of the most common triggers include:
- Eating Sounds: Chewing, lip-smacking, slurping, and crunching are among the most reported triggers.
- Repetitive Noises: Pen clicking, foot tapping, or keyboard typing.
- Breathing Sounds: Heavy breathing, sniffling, or throat clearing can also provoke strong reactions.
- Ambient Noises: Sounds like a clock ticking, distant car alarms, or dripping water can be particularly aggravating.
- Vocal Noises: Repetitive speech sounds, such as certain consonants or stuttering.
These triggers can lead to intense emotional and physiological responses, making it difficult for individuals with misophonia to function in environments where these sounds are prevalent.
Impact on Daily Life
Living with misophonia can significantly impact daily life, especially in social and professional settings:
- Workplace Challenges: Misophonia can make it hard to concentrate in open-plan offices or during meetings where trigger sounds are common. This can lead to a decline in productivity, frustration, and even a desire to avoid the workplace altogether.
- Social Isolation: People with misophonia often avoid social settings where they might encounter their triggers, leading to a sense of isolation or exclusion from group activities.
- Strained Relationships: Close relationships, whether at home or work, can suffer. Friends, family, or coworkers may not understand the severity of the condition and perceive reactions as overreactions or rudeness.
- Mental Health Impact: Constant exposure to trigger sounds can cause heightened anxiety, stress, or even depression in some individuals.
Scientific Research
Recent studies have explored the neurological basis of misophonia, revealing that it’s more than just a dislike for certain sounds. Research suggests that misophonia may be related to abnormal connectivity between the brain’s auditory cortex (responsible for processing sound) and the motor control areas involved in facial and throat muscles. A study by Kumar et al. (2017) found that people with misophonia have heightened activation in these areas when exposed to trigger sounds, which may explain the intense emotional and physical reactions they experience.
Additionally, research by Schröder et al. (2013) proposes that misophonia could be a type of hyperconnectivity disorder, where certain sounds are wired to elicit an intense emotional response due to an overactive neural network. Dr. Jane Gregory, who specializes in misophonia, also highlights the psychological components, such as the feeling of loss of control over one’s environment, which may amplify the emotional response to certain sounds.
Coping Strategies
While there is currently no cure for misophonia, several coping strategies can help manage the condition:
- Sound Management: Using noise-canceling headphones, white noise machines, or earplugs to block out trigger sounds.
- Behavioral Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other forms of talk therapy can help individuals reframe their emotional responses to triggers.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices like deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce the stress response when encountering triggers.
- Creating a Safe Space: If possible, finding a quieter area at work or creating a personal space free from triggers can help.
- Open Communication: Educating friends, family, and coworkers about misophonia can lead to better understanding and accommodations, such as designated quiet times or sound-reducing initiatives in shared spaces.
- Professional Support: Consulting with a therapist who specializes in misophonia or related conditions can provide personalized strategies and support.
By understanding misophonia, both sufferers and those around them can learn to navigate this condition more effectively, fostering environments that are more inclusive and empathetic. I believe this is especially important in the workplace for a myriad of reasons. Do you agree, and can you relate to this blog post?
