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Why Loud Chewing Can Ignite Your Rage
by Emily R. Johnson
Updated: November 27, 2023
Originally Published: April 9, 2018
I can vividly recall a moment from my seventh-grade math class that still resonates with me today. While I was striving to concentrate on the lesson, a sound pierced through my focus—an incessant, exaggerated chewing noise. It wasn’t the chit-chat of friends or the screeching chalk on the board that distracted me; it was the girl beside me relentlessly popping her gum. My heart raced, and I felt a surge of frustration that I couldn’t quite explain.
What I wanted to do in that moment? Punch her right in the face, all because of the sound she was making. The intensity of my anger caught me off guard. Did I really want to lash out at someone simply for chewing gum? Yes, it turns out I did.
Reflecting on that experience, I suspect it was the onset of my misophonia, a condition I’ve struggled to manage for nearly three decades. Misophonia, as defined by the Misophonia Institute, is a heightened sensitivity to specific soft sounds and visual stimuli that trigger intense emotional responses, including anger and anxiety. For years, I believed I was merely losing my mind, dealing with an irrational sensitivity to those mundane sounds of crunching and chewing.
I never opened up about it to friends or family, opting instead to quietly withdraw from situations where these sounds prevailed. Thankfully, I managed to avoid confronting the individuals behind the noise, even if the urge to do so was strong. However, I now know that I am not alone in this struggle; studies estimate that over 20% of the population experiences some degree of misophonia, often surfacing during adolescence.
As the years passed, my sensitivity amplified, and along with the usual concerns of parenting, I found it increasingly difficult to manage my reactions to chewing and other auditory triggers. My list of bothersome sounds expanded to include repetitive clicking, various food noises, and even the soft tapping of pencils. It reached a point where I could barely endure meals with my own family, making family dinners a challenging experience.
In search of answers, I consulted a friend with a PhD in Audiology, hoping to find someone interested in researching misophonia. I wondered if there was something fundamentally wrong with my auditory processing that incited such intense reactions to ordinary sounds. Through a day spent with a dedicated team of PhD candidates in speech and hearing disorders, I gained valuable insights into my condition, as well as practical strategies to manage it.
Here’s what I discovered:
- Exceptional Hearing: Extensive hearing tests revealed that I possess extraordinary auditory capabilities. It makes sense, as I’ve never needed a baby monitor; I could hear my baby’s slightest movements from across the house. This heightened hearing is common among those with misophonia, often linked with above-average intelligence.
- The Power of Participation: During meals, if I’m chewing myself, the sounds of others chewing seem less magnified. I can’t explain why, but when I’m actively engaged, the noise level diminishes. Conversely, if I’m just a bystander, the sounds feel amplified, as if their lips are right in my ear.
- Emerging Therapies: Various cognitive behavioral therapies are being developed to assist individuals like me. Due to the complex auditory and psychological facets of this disorder, treatment often requires collaboration between professionals in both fields. Suggestions included gradual exposure to triggering sounds—a technique I struggled with, leading me to rely on complete avoidance instead.
- Sound Dampening: Earbuds can be a lifesaver, even when they’re not playing anything. Simply having them in my ears helps to filter out triggering noises, as if I’m submerged underwater, dulling the overwhelming sounds around me.
- Movie Outings: For years, I avoided movie theaters due to the bothersome crunch of popcorn. However, I learned to ask for an assisted hearing device at the theater, which allowed me to enjoy films while blocking out distracting sounds.
- Involving Family: It was validating to learn that my experiences were not just imaginary. Sharing this journey with my family has been crucial. Recent MRI studies are providing neurologists with insights into what occurs in the brains of those with misophonia, revealing abnormal processing of sound stimuli that trigger our intense responses.
To my surprise, one of my four children developed similar sensitivities around age 13. When he expressed his discomfort with my chewing, I reassured him that he wasn’t alone, and together we could manage it.
If you suspect that you may be experiencing misophonia, I urge you to reach out to local universities with communication disorders programs or consult your healthcare provider. The more we share our experiences, the better the chances for researchers to understand the causes and create effective treatments. We should be able to enjoy our meals without the fear of losing our tempers over a crunch or a chew.
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In summary, misophonia is a real and increasingly recognized condition that affects many individuals. By sharing our stories and seeking help, we can work towards a more peaceful coexistence with our auditory sensitivities.