Understanding misophonia: causes, symptoms & support

Misophonia is a condition where certain everyday sounds trigger strong emotional or physical reactions, such as irritation, anxiety, or discomfort. For people living with misophonia, noises like chewing, pen clicking, or breathing can feel overwhelming or even distressing. It’s not just about disliking sounds - it’s a genuine and recognised sound sensitivity that affects how the brain processes specific noises.

At Leightons, we understand that living with misophonia can be challenging. Our audiologists are here to listen, support, and help you explore ways to make everyday listening more comfortable.

What is misophonia?

Misophonia literally means “hatred of sound,” but that definition doesn’t fully capture what it feels like. It’s a condition where certain sounds - often soft, repetitive, or human-made noises - cause an intense emotional reaction. People with misophonia may feel anger, anxiety, or panic when they hear particular trigger sounds.

This condition isn’t caused by hearing loss or ear damage. Instead, it’s linked to how the brain’s emotional and auditory systems interact. Essentially, the brain misinterprets certain noises as threats, which triggers a strong emotional response.

Misophonia can vary from person to person. For some, it causes mild irritation, while for others, it can significantly impact daily life and relationships.

What causes misophonia?

The exact cause of misophonia isn’t fully understood, but research suggests it may be related to how sound is processed in the brain’s limbic system (which handles emotion) and auditory cortex (which processes sound). Possible contributing factors include:

  • Changes in brain connections between sound and emotion
  • Past experiences or associations with certain sounds
  • Heightened stress or anxiety levels
  • Other sound sensitivities, such as hyperacusis or tinnitus
  • Links to autism spectrum conditions or sensory processing differences

While there’s no single known cause, understanding your personal triggers and responses is the first step towards managing them effectively.

Common symptoms and trigger sounds

People with misophonia experience a range of emotional and physical reactions to specific noises. Common symptoms include:

  • Irritation, anger, or panic when hearing certain sounds
  • Increased heart rate or tension
  • Anxiety or stress in noisy environments
  • Avoidance of situations where trigger sounds may occur

Common trigger sounds include:

  • Chewing, slurping, or swallowing
  • Breathing or sniffing
  • Pen clicking or typing
  • Foot tapping or repetitive background noises

These sounds can seem small to others but may cause a powerful, involuntary reaction in someone with misophonia.

How misophonia affects daily life

Misophonia can affect relationships, work, and social life. Many people find themselves avoiding situations where triggers are likely to occur - such as family meals or busy offices - which can lead to isolation or stress.

It’s important to remember that these reactions are not a choice. They’re part of how the brain and body respond to sound. With understanding and professional support, it’s possible to manage these reactions and regain a sense of calm and control.

How is misophonia treated or managed?

While there’s no cure for misophonia, several treatments and coping strategies can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life:

  • Sound therapy - introducing gentle background sounds to make triggers less noticeable
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) - helps retrain the brain’s emotional response to triggers
  • Relaxation and mindfulness techniques - reduce anxiety and stress levels
  • Professional hearing assessments - to check for related sensitivities such as tinnitus or hyperacusis
  • Counselling or support groups - sharing experiences with others can be reassuring and helpful

Many people find that a combination of sound therapy and emotional support brings long-term improvement.

How Leightons can help

At Leightons, we take a supportive, understanding approach to sound sensitivity. Our audiologists can:

  • Carry out hearing and sound sensitivity assessments to rule out related ear conditions.
  • Offer advice on managing triggers and using background sound to make daily life easier.
  • Refer you to specialist clinics for further treatment or therapy, if needed.

We’re here to help you understand your sensitivity, find practical solutions, and feel more comfortable in your everyday environments.

Book your free hearing assessment today and take the first step towards calmer, more confident hearing.

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Understanding mastoiditis: causes, symptoms & treatment
Understanding mastoiditis: causes, symptoms & treatment
Mastoiditis is a rare but serious ear infection that affects the mastoid bone, which sits just behind the ear. It usually develops when a middle ear infection (otitis media) spreads to the mastoid bone, causing inflammation and fluid build-up. Although it sounds alarming, mastoiditis can be successfully treated with prompt medical care. At Leightons, we understand that ear pain and swelling can be worrying. Our audiologists are here to check your ear health, explain what’s happening, and help guide you to the right care if an infection is suspected. What is mastoiditis? The mastoid bone is part of your skull and contains small air-filled spaces that help drain the middle ear. When bacteria from an untreated or severe ear infection spread to this bone, it can become inflamed and filled with infected fluid. This condition is known as mastoiditis. If not treated quickly, the infection can cause pain, swelling, and in some cases, damage to nearby structures - which is why early diagnosis and medical treatment are essential. What causes mastoiditis? Mastoiditis most often develops as a complication of a middle ear infection that hasn’t fully cleared. When bacteria remain trapped in the middle ear, they can spread into the mastoid bone, causing inflammation and infection. Common causes and contributing factors include: Untreated or chronic ear infections Bacterial infection spreading from the middle ear Recurrent infections weakening ear tissues Poor ear drainage due to Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Mastoiditis can occur at any age but is more common in children, as their ear structures are still developing. Common symptoms of mastoiditis Mastoiditis symptoms can appear suddenly and may follow an ear infection that hasn’t fully resolved. Common signs include: Severe, persistent ear pain Swelling or redness behind the ear Ear discharge (sometimes thick or pus-like) Fever and feeling unwell Hearing loss in the affected ear Headache or dizziness In some cases, the ear may appear pushed forward due to swelling behind it. Because mastoiditis can worsen quickly, it’s important to seek medical attention if you notice these symptoms. How is mastoiditis diagnosed? A GP or ENT specialist can diagnose mastoiditis by examining the ear and checking for inflammation, swelling, or discharge. Tests may include: Otoscopy: Looking inside the ear to assess infection Hearing test (audiogram): Checking if hearing has been affected CT scan: To confirm if the infection has spread to the mastoid bone Blood tests: To detect signs of infection Early diagnosis allows for quicker treatment and prevents complications. Treatment for mastoiditis Treatment aims to remove the infection, relieve symptoms, and prevent further spread. Depending on the severity, this may involve: Antibiotics: Usually given intravenously (via a drip) to control the infection Ear drainage: A small procedure to remove infected fluid or pus Surgery (mastoidectomy): In more serious cases, part of the infected bone may be removed to stop the infection from spreading With prompt treatment, most people recover fully and experience no long-term hearing damage. Preventing mastoiditis The best way to prevent mastoiditis is by treating ear infections early and avoiding irritation to the ear canal. Simple steps include: Seek medical advice for any ear infection that lasts more than a few days Avoid inserting objects like cotton buds into your ears Keep ears dry and clean, especially after swimming Attend regular ear health checks to monitor your ear condition if you’re prone to infections By managing ear health proactively, you can reduce the risk of complications like mastoiditis. How Leightons can help At Leightons, we provide ear health checks and free hearing assessments to help identify infections early and support your recovery after treatment. Our audiologists can: Examine your ears safely for signs of infection or inflammation Carry out hearing tests to check for any hearing changes Refer you to an ENT specialist for medical treatment if necessary Offer aftercare and follow-up checks to monitor your ear health after recovery We’re here to help you understand your symptoms, protect your hearing, and feel confident in your ear health. Book your free hearing assessment today and take the first step toward clearer, healthier hearing.
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