How do Misophonia Treatment Works?

Misophonia is derived from the Greek word that translates to “hatred of sound” and has also been known as “selective sound sensitivity syndrome.” Individuals who suffer from misophonia may have various emotional responses when exposed to specific sounds, ranging from annoyance to intense feelings of anxiety, panic, and even rage. This article is aim to discuss Misophonia Treatment in detail to give you an overview what option is best suitable for you.

Misophonia or just Sensitive to Sound?

What are the distinguishing factors between misophonia and a general sensitivity to sound? Signs to look out for could be an intense emotional response, such as panic or rage, if the noise persists.

When someone appears to struggle with managing their response to certain sounds and later expresses remorse, it may indicate misophonia.

It is important to take sound sensitivity seriously, especially when it is a child expressing discomfort. It is important to thoroughly research and identify if misophonia could be the cause, in order to explore different treatment possibilities.

Individuals with misophonia often struggle to control their emotional reactions to triggers, which can result in feelings of anger directed towards the source of the noise. Later on, individuals may experience feelings of remorse or guilt for becoming angry over a noise, despite feeling justified in their actions at the time. Due to this, individuals with misophonia often face challenges in their interpersonal interactions on a daily basis.

Examples of Misophonia Triggers

Triggers can differ from one individual to another, and they might also change for a person as time goes on. Here are a few examples of sounds that can elicit a response in people with misophonia.

• Bodily sounds made by others
• Chewing (gum, chips, popcorn)
• Slurping
• Swallowing
• Throat clearing
• Lip smacking
• Sniffling
• Breathing
• Snoring
• Visual triggers, which can be as distubring as auditory triggers for some
• Foot wagging
• Nose rubbing
• Hair twirling
• Non-bodily triggers
• Pen tapping
• Writing
• Papers rustling
• Ticking clock
• Typing
• Slamming car door
• Crickets chirping
• Birds chirping

Misophonia Treatment

There are several Misophonia Treatment are available for misophonia, which are discussed below. There is a wide range of options available, from purchasing white noise devices to exploring more comprehensive treatments such as hypnotherapy.

1. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)

Tinnitus is a condition characterized by a persistent ringing in the ears that can be quite bothersome and disrupt one’s daily activities. It is worth noting that treatments for tinnitus can also be applied to address misophonia. Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) helps individuals develop the ability to cope with noise, reducing the discomfort it causes.

2. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Techniques, and Relaxation

There are various behavioral treatment options available for misophonia.Discover how cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can empower individuals to gain insight into their responses to triggering sounds and acquire effective coping mechanisms to navigate negative reactions. Particularly, this could entail altering unhelpful thought patterns associated with the sounds that cause distress.

DBT is a therapeutic approach that focuses on helping individuals effectively manage their emotions. It teaches techniques like mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional regulation.

For individuals dealing with misophonia, incorporating simple relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation can be incredibly beneficial. In this technique, individuals can learn to activate the relaxation response by engaging in a practice that involves alternating between tensing and relaxing various parts of the body.

3. White Noise Devices

White noise can be helpful for individuals with misophonia as it can effectively drown out the sounds that trigger their negative reactions. There are different types of devices that can help create a soothing atmosphere. Some are designed to be placed at ear level and play calming sounds like a waterfall or a river. Others are room-level devices like fans or white noise machines.

If you’re considering getting a white noise device, it’s a good idea to check if your insurance will cover the cost. These devices are typically obtained through audiologists and can be on the pricier side.

Alternatively, you can achieve the same effect of creating a soothing environment for less money by using a sound app on your smart phone or iPod, along with a pair of earpods or headphones to play white noise. For optimal results, individuals with misophonia can consider using headphones that allow some outside sounds to be heard, enabling them to listen comfortably amidst ambient noise.

This type of device is designed to enhance your environment by providing background sounds. By filling the silence and blending in with white noise sounds, it helps to reduce the impact of triggering sounds and make them less disruptive. If you find it challenging to handle reactions solely by altering your thinking patterns, these options may be the most suitable for you.

4. Medication

Currently, there are no approved medications specifically designed to treat misophonia. It is crucial to have a conversation with your doctor about medication choices, as there may be alternative options that can assist in symptom management. There is a possibility that future research advancements may lead to the discovery of new treatments for misophonia, potentially including medication-based options.

5. Hypnotherapy, Biofeedback, and Other Therapies

There are various therapies that have been used to treat misophonia, including hypnotherapy, biofeedback, and neurofeedback. If you’re curious about these therapies, it’s recommended to seek out a specialist provider either through your personal doctor or online resources.

How to Find Misophonia Treatment?

If you are living with misophonia, it’s crucial to seek guidance from your doctor, mental health professional, or alternative medicine provider to explore potential solutions. Taking prompt action is essential, as prolonged exposure to triggers can exacerbate misophonia symptoms.

If you’re interested in learning more about the condition and finding ways to help, I recommend checking out the Misophonia Institute online. At this institute, you can find a comprehensive directory of treatment providers. The directory allows you to search for providers based on their location and profession/specialization.

At the Misophonia Treatment Institute, we provide assessment, management, training, and treatment services remotely through phone or online platforms. In addition to their wide range of resources, they also provide support for children, including assistance with school accommodations and access to parenting coaches. If you are a parent in need of assistance for your child dealing with misophonia, this could be a viable solution to explore.

A Note from Known_Psychology

Living with misophonia can be quite frustrating, but there are various treatment options that can help you manage the condition. If you’ve never experimented with a white noise device, therapy, or other Misophonia Treatment aimed at alleviating your discomfort, these options are worth considering.

It’s important to remember that many people face challenges when it comes to dealing with noise. You’re not alone in your experience, even if it may feel like others don’t fully comprehend what you’re going through. Misophonia is a legitimate condition that is not simply a figment of one’s imagination. Misophonia Treatment should be done with compassion and understanding, and should have access to devices and accommodations that can improve their daily life.

References

• Misophonia Treatment Institute. Behavioral Therapy.
• Palumbo DB, Alsalman O, De Ridder D, Song J-J, Vanneste S. Misophonia and Potential Underlying Mechanisms: A Perspective. Front Psychol. 2018;9:953.
• Potgieter I, MacDonald C, Partridge L, Cima R, Sheldrake J, Hoare DJ. Misophonia: A scoping review of research. J Clin Psychol. 2019;75(7):1203-1218.
• Schröder AE, Vulink NC, van Loon AJ, Denys DA. Cognitive behavioral therapy is effective in misophonia: An open trial. J Affect Disord. 2017;217:289-294.