HIDDEN STRUGGLE WITH NOISE

Many people struggle with noise sensitivity, often misunderstood and overlooked. CE talks to experts about its causes, effects, and ways to cope

- DARSHITA JAIN

For some, the sound of a pen clicking or someone chewing with their mouth wide open is just an annoyance. For others, it's unbearable—an instant trigger for anger, anxiety, or even panic. This is misophonia, a condition that affects nearly 15 to 20 percent of people in India. Yet, it remains largely unrecognized.

"Misophonia is an intolerance to certain sounds, triggering emotional, behavioral, and psychological reactions beyond mere annoyance. It's an intense, involuntary reaction. The person doesn't just find the sound irritating—they feel overwhelmed, distressed, or even enraged," says Dr. Radhika Acharya, consultant clinical/rehabilitation psychologist at Deccan and Medicover Hospitals, Hyderabad.