Misophonia diagnosis

Looking for a Misophonia diagnosis?

If you are looking for a Misophonia diagnosis, you may discover that finding a medical diagnosis is difficult. While there is general awareness of what Misophonia is, and there is increasing evidence between links between Misophonia and autism, there has been little research into the condition so far. Even with a Misophonia diagnosis, finding treatment can be tough.

What is Misophonia

Put simply Misophonia, also known as selective sound sensitivity syndrome, can be defined as a hatred of sounds. A sufferer of Misophonia will develop hypersensitivity to a certain sound or a range of sound. This sensitivity will lead to a negative emotional response and anyone with Misophonia will find this response difficult to manage.

Triggers for Misophonia

There are a range of triggers for Misophonia. The triggers are mainly sounds, although in some cases, small repetitive movements can also cause an issue. Triggers you may be familiar with include:

1. Eating sounds, such as slurping, chewing, crunching, licking, burping, gulping, lip smacking, spitting, gum chewing and popping, or the ‘aaah’ sound people make when they take a drink, or ‘mmmm’ when they’re enjoying their food.
2. Breathing sounds such as wheezing breath, a cough, grunting, groaning, sniffing and snorting, sneezing, congested breathing, yawning, or someone with the hiccups.
3. Other vocal sounds such as repeating hesitation words, ‘ah’, ‘er’ or ‘um’, humming, singing (especially if it is out of tune), or whispering. Some sufferers of selective sound sensitivity syndrome will be averse to the sounds of plosive sibilants such as S, T, P, C, K and CH.
4. Environmental sounds can also cause issues for some people. Misophonia sufferers at work may not like the sound of a mouse, or the clicking of fingers on a keyboard when someone types. They may be averse to background noises such as air conditioning. Drivers may not like the sound of the car’s indicators. Some people dislike the noise of birdsong or insects, dogs barking or babies crying in the distance.

Misophonia reactions

Depending on whether the selective sound sensitivity syndrome you have is mild or severe you will experience a range of emotions in response to your triggers. These can include annoyance, irritation and anxiety, to outright fury and full-fledged rage and panic.

Finding a Misophonia diagnosis

If you are dead set on finding a Misophonia diagnosis, the first place to start is with your family doctor. They will know what the issue is and have an understanding of the symptoms and triggers. They may refer you for a neurological appointment, or they may suggest an appointment with a psychologist.

Bach flowers and your Misophonia diagnosis

If you have a Misophonia diagnosis and would like to work on your emotional response to your selective sound sensitivity syndrome triggers, Bach flowers are able to help you. For more information about Bach flowers, why not have a chat with me? I’m Tom, a certified psychologist and Bach flowers specialist. I am happy to listen to your symptoms and reactions, and create a personal blend of Bach flowers to help you. Contact me for a free consultation today.