misophonia

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "misophonia" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing a strong emotional reaction to specific sounds. Example: "Her misophonia made it difficult for her to concentrate in the quiet library." Alternative expressions include "sound sensitivity" and "selective sound aversion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"These people like sound, the louder the better," she said of misophonia patients.

The New York Times - Health

Aage R. Moller, a neuroscientist at the University of Texas at Dallas who specializes in the auditory nervous system, included misophonia in the "Textbook of Tinnitus," a 2010 medical guide of which he was an editor.

The New York Times - Health

For people with a condition that some scientists call misophonia, mealtime can be torture.

The New York Times - Health

PAGE C1 SCIENCE WHEN A CHOMP OR A SLURP IS A TRIGGER FOR OUTRAGE Mealtime can be torturous for people with a condition that some scientists call misophonia.

The New York Times

But they are not the same, said Marsha Johnson, an audiologist in Portland, Ore ."These people like sound, the louder the better," she said of misophonia patients.

The New York Times

"I don't think 8- or 9-year-olds choose to wake up one morning and say, 'Today my dad's chewing is going to drive me insane,' " said Marsha Johnson, an audiologist in Portland, Ore., who runs an online forum for people with misophonia.

The New York Times - Health

People with misophonia have an extreme reaction to certain sounds, often becoming enraged or anxious at the sound of chewing or someone clearing his throat, reports today's Science Times.

The New York Times

But sufferers of misophonia, a newly recognized condition that remains little studied and poorly understood, take the problem to a higher level.

The New York Times - Health

Misophonia ("dislike of sound") is sometimes confused with hyperacusis, in which sound is perceived as abnormally loud or physically painful.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "misophonia" precisely; it is a specific condition and not merely a dislike of certain sounds.

Common error

Avoid using "misophonia" to describe general annoyance with sounds. It's a neurological condition characterized by extreme reactions to specific triggers, not just mild irritation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "misophonia" is as a noun. It refers to a specific neurological disorder. As Ludwig explains, it's used to describe a condition where individuals have negative experiences triggered by specific sounds. This aligns with the examples provided, which show "misophonia" being used to identify and discuss the disorder.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "misophonia" is a noun describing a neurological disorder characterized by strong negative reactions to specific sounds. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English. While relatively uncommon, its usage is increasing, especially in news and media. When discussing this condition, precision is crucial to differentiate it from general sound sensitivity or hyperacusis. When writing about "misophonia", be sure to use the term correctly and consider alternative phrases, like "sound sensitivity", to provide context and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increased sensitivity to specific sounds

This expands on the term by specifically noting what is causing the issue in a descriptive manner.

selective sound sensitivity

This alternative highlights that the sensitivity is not to all sounds, but specific ones, which is characteristic of "misophonia".

sound-triggered distress

This phrase points directly to the distress experienced when exposed to certain sounds.

sound sensitivity

This alternative focuses on the sensory experience of heightened sensitivity to sounds, a core aspect of "misophonia".

sound aversion

This alternative captures the feeling of dislike or avoidance associated with certain sounds.

aversion to auditory stimuli

The word "aversion" is used to describe how the subject wants to avoid certain sounds.

auditory oversensitivity

This phrase describes a heightened sensitivity to auditory stimuli in general. Although this can be a symptom of other conditions, it is related to "misophonia".

emotional response to sound

This emphasizes the emotional impact of sounds on individuals with the condition.

phonophobia

This term describes a fear of sound and might be used to convey the anxious component of "misophonia", although it is technically different.

heightened sound awareness

This alternative is less negative than the original phrase.

FAQs

How is "misophonia" diagnosed?

There isn't a universally accepted diagnostic criterion for "misophonia", but diagnosis typically involves clinical assessment by a mental health professional or audiologist, focusing on the patient's history and response to specific sounds.

What are common triggers for people with "misophonia"?

Common triggers include sounds like chewing, slurping, breathing, or typing. However, triggers vary widely from person to person. Certain visual stimuli can also be triggers.

What can I say instead of "misophonia"?

You can use alternatives like "sound sensitivity", "selective sound sensitivity", or "sound aversion", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "misophonia" and hyperacusis?

"Misophonia" is a condition where specific sounds trigger negative emotions, while hyperacusis involves increased sensitivity to the loudness of sounds. Hyperacusis makes sounds seem abnormally loud, whereas "misophonia" is an emotional reaction to certain sounds, regardless of volume.