Why Loud Chewing Makes You Want to Punch Someone

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I vividly recall one particular afternoon in seventh grade. I was seated in math class, trying hard to concentrate while battling the overwhelming and jarring sounds invading my ears. It wasn’t the chatter of my classmates or the screech of chalk that unsettled me; it was the incessant, loud chewing and gum-popping from the girl beside me. My heart raced, and I could feel my blood pressure rising as I attempted to suppress the agitation that was bubbling inside me.

What did I want to do? I wanted to strike her right in the face, simply for the noise she was making while chewing gum. I was taken aback by the intense anger that surged within me. Punch a girl for chewing? Absolutely! Reflecting on that moment, I believe that was the onset of my misophonia, and I’ve spent nearly three decades grappling with it.

Misophonia, as defined by specialists, is “a strong sensitivity to particular soft sounds and visual stimuli,” often triggering extreme emotional responses such as anger, anxiety, and irritation. For years, I doubted my sanity, convinced I had some peculiar sensitivity to chewing sounds. I never disclosed my struggles to friends or family, opting instead to discreetly remove myself from situations with trigger sounds. Fortunately, I never lashed out at someone innocently munching on potato chips, even though I desperately wanted to.

Today, I understand that I am not alone; over 20% of the population experiences some level of misophonia, typically emerging during adolescence. Unfortunately, my condition worsened over the years, exacerbated by common parenting stresses. It became increasingly challenging to manage my reactions to chewing and other sounds, as the list of triggers expanded. I found it nearly unbearable to be in the same room with my children and husband while they ate, which made family dinners quite the challenge.

Determined to find answers, I consulted a friend with a PhD in Audiology, hoping her doctoral students might be interested in studying my condition. I sought to understand whether something was genuinely wrong with my auditory processing and if there was help available for people like me. What I learned during a day spent with a compassionate team of audiology PhD candidates was eye-opening.

1. I have superhuman hearing. After undergoing several hearing tests, it turned out I could hear sounds from across the street. This explained why I never needed a baby monitor; I could hear my little one shift in the crib from 800-square feet away. Those with misophonia often possess heightened hearing abilities along with above-average intelligence.
2. Eating together helps. When I’m at the dinner table chewing my own food, I tend not to notice others’ chewing as much. I’m unsure why this works, but when I’m not eating, the sounds are amplified, making them feel overwhelmingly close.
3. Emerging therapies exist. Various cognitive behavioral therapies are being explored to assist individuals with misophonia. Since it involves both auditory and psychological elements, it requires professionals from both fields to devise effective treatment plans. Some suggestions include avoiding triggering sounds entirely and gradually exposing oneself to short bursts of those sounds. Personally, I’ve found it more effective to stick to complete avoidance for now.
4. Muffle surrounding noises. Earbuds can be incredibly helpful, even if they’re not playing anything. Wearing them can dull the intensity of triggering sounds, creating a sensation akin to being underwater.
5. Movies and popcorn – a challenge. For years, I avoided the cinema due to the sound of people eating popcorn. When I did muster the courage to attend, I’d choose seats far from others, often in the front or back rows. I learned that borrowing an assisted hearing device from the theater could help me focus on the movie while filtering out distracting sounds.
6. Involve family and be aware of signs in children. Leaving the audiologist’s office, I felt a wave of validation. I realized my struggles were genuine, and it was crucial to share this with my family. Recent MRI studies are shedding light on the neurological aspects of misophonia, revealing abnormal processing when certain sounds are heard. My son, who recently turned 13, has begun to experience similar issues, and I was able to reassure him that he’s not alone in this.

If you suspect you have misophonia, I recommend reaching out to a local university’s communication disorders program or consulting a trusted medical professional. The more we openly discuss our experiences, the better researchers can understand this condition and develop effective treatments. Together, we can create a more peaceful environment where we can all enjoy meals without the urge to lash out.

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Summary

Misophonia is a condition that triggers intense emotional reactions to specific sounds, particularly chewing. This article explores the author’s personal experience, potential therapies, and the importance of family involvement. If you suspect you have misophonia, consider reaching out to professionals for support.