Understanding misophonia and its everyday triggers

IMAGINE sitting down to enjoy a meal with friends, only to feel a surge of rage when someone starts chewing loudly. Or, picture trying to concentrate at work, but the constant click-click-click of a pen leaves you simmering with irritation. For those living with misophonia, this isn’t just annoying, it’s life-altering.

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

Misophonia, which literally means “hatred of sound”, is a chronic condition where specific sounds trigger intense emotional and even physical reactions. It’s not just about being “easily annoyed” or “sensitive to noise”.

For people living with this condition, certain sounds, often repetitive and tied to human actions like chewing, breathing, or throat clearing, can ignite feelings of anger, disgust, panic, or shame. Interestingly, it's not just about sounds.

Research shows that visual triggers, like someone swinging their leg or tapping their fingers, can also set off the same intense reactions. Misophonia is more than a quirk; it’s a misunderstood and deeply isolating condition that deserves attention.

What triggers misophonia?

Chewing, slurping, or loud breathing.

Clicking pens or tapping keyboards.

Water dripping or paper crinkling.

Humming, throat clearing, or finger tapping.

Even subtle, everyday actions like leg swinging can become unbearable for someone with misophonia. These triggers don't just annoy, they can lead to sweating, a racing heart, muscle tension, and an overwhelming urge to escape the situation.