Do Chewing Sounds Make You Angry? It May Be Misophonia
Do small sounds like pen clicking, loud breathing, or chewing instantly make you feel irritated or angry? For some people, this reaction is far stronger than normal annoyance and may be a sign of misophonia, a condition where specific sounds trigger intense emotional or physical responses. Although often misunderstood or brushed aside, misophonia is increasingly being recognised as a genuine health concern.
In today’s fast-paced world, awareness around misophonia is growing, especially as more people speak openly about how everyday noises affect their mental well-being
What Is Misophonia?
Misophonia literally means “hatred of sound.” It is a condition in which certain everyday noises called trigger sounds cause strong negative reactions. These reactions are not about the volume of the sound, but the type of sound.
People with misophonia may feel sudden anger, anxiety, disgust, or even panic when they hear specific noises. Importantly, these responses are involuntary and can feel overwhelming, even when the person knows the reaction may seem extreme to others.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the condition varies widely from person to person. Some individuals can manage their reactions, while others find the symptoms disruptive to daily life.
Common Symptoms of Misophonia
Misophonia typically affects three main areas:
Emotional Reactions
- Sudden anger or rage
- Intense irritation or disgust
- Anxiety or emotional distress
Physical Responses
- Rapid heartbeat
- Muscle tension
- Feeling hot or flushed
Behavioural Changes
- Glaring or snapping at others
- Leaving the room abruptly
- Avoiding social situations
These reactions can happen almost instantly when a trigger sound is heard.
Sounds That Commonly Trigger Misophonia
While triggers differ from person to person, some sounds are reported more often than others. Common misophonia triggers include:
- Loud or repetitive chewing
- Smacking lips
- Heavy or noisy breathing
- Pen clicking
- Finger or toe tapping
- Clock ticking
- Rustling paper or plastic
- Dripping water
Even quiet sounds can be distressing if they fall into a person’s trigger category.
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Misophonia’s precise cause is still unknown. Researchers believe it may be linked to how the brain processes sound and emotion together. Instead of filtering out harmless background noises, the brain reacts as if the sound is a threat.
Because misophonia is not yet fully researched, it is often misdiagnosed or confused with anxiety disorders, sensory processing issues, or stress-related conditions.
How Is Misophonia Managed or Treated?
There is currently no single cure for misophonia, but several approaches may help reduce its impact:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps people change how they respond emotionally to triggers
- Sound Therapy: Uses background noise or white noise to reduce the focus on triggers
- Stress management techniques such as mindfulness, controlled breathing, and relaxation methods can help calm the mind, reduce emotional reactivity, and improve overall stress control.
- Lifestyle adjustments: Using earplugs, noise-cancelling headphones, or planning quieter environments
Treatment is usually personalised, depending on how severe the symptoms are.
Why Awareness of Misophonia Matters
Misophonia is more than just being “easily annoyed.” For many, it affects relationships, work, and social life. Recognising misophonia as a legitimate condition helps reduce stigma and encourages people to seek support rather than suffer in silence.
If everyday sounds consistently trigger strong emotional reactions, it may be worth discussing the symptoms with a healthcare professional. Early recognition can make coping easier and improve quality of life.
Source:Â Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 14 January 2026
- 11:00
