27. Misophonia

27. Misophonia

Misophonia (etymologically ‘hatred of sound’) is a rarely diagnosed but common neuropsychological disorder, characterised by highly unpleasant mental states (anger, hatred, anxiety, rage, disgust) triggered by specific sounds. The sounds may be loud or quiet.

Serious and very troublesome, this auditory irritation from little noises made by a neighbour or loved one, a creaking floor, a squeaking door, a small sound made by the mouth, chewing, wheezing. Irritability turns into hatred, an emotional explosion of anger, rage.

With their developed senses, AS people can develop misophonia more easily. Misophonia is difficult to manage or cure; practising the projection of a positive sound or image and using a great deal of willpower can genuinely replace the trigger. It takes a lot of time and practice.

Therapeutic example: in cases of misophonia, repeat and meditate on one sentence a day.

● I am upset because I hear something that is not there.

● I am not the victim of what I hear or of who makes the sound.

● There is another way to interpret the sounds I hear.

● I hear something pleasant instead (a sound you like).