![\"Couple](\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/annoyed-at-partner-misophonia-e1544050179909-300x199.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
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Misophonia, sometimes called selective sound sensitivity syndrome, is sensitivity to specific sounds. Some common triggers include eating sounds such as chewing, throat sounds, nasal sounds such as a person blowing their nose, and repetitive noises such as tapping or clicking a pen.<\/p>\n
While it is a potentially challenging symptom, misophonia is not a mental health diagnosis. Recent research indicates that 4.6% of U.S. adults experience clinical levels of misophonia, though 78.5% report sensitivity to misophonic sounds to some degree.<\/p>\n
Misophonia can be extremely distressing both to the person with misophonia and their loved ones. It can cause conflict in relationships and make it difficult for couples to go to certain public places. In addition, sensitivity to the sounds a romantic partner makes may feel hurtful or critical to the partner who is making them. <\/p>\n
How Misophonia Impacts Relationships<\/p>\n
People with misophonia<\/a> may struggle to gain understanding and acceptance from their partner. A partner might dismiss the misophonia, arguing the person is being too sensitive or controlling. The person with misophonia may also be critical of their partner when they make noises perceived to be annoying.<\/p>\n In relationships<\/a>, misophonia can be a source of conflict, hurt feelings, and criticism on both sides. Some common issues include:<\/p>\n A person with misophonia isn’t just annoyed by certain sounds; they find these sounds intolerable. <\/p>\n According to Melissa Klass, LMFT<\/strong><\/a>, the emotional impact of misophonia often gets misunderstood in relationships. \u201cPartners sometimes assume the reaction is about them or their behavior, when in reality the nervous system is reacting very quickly to a specific sound,\u201d Klass explains. \u201cPart of the work in couples therapy is helping both people understand that the reaction is real while also finding ways for the couple to respond to triggers without shame or blame.\u201d <\/p>\n Some even describe the sensation as physically painful, while others experience revulsion and disgust. In the context of a relationship, both partners may feel they have to plan their lives around misophonia. When a partner of a person with misophonia makes a triggering sound, they may feel judged, shamed, and criticized.<\/p>\n Misophonia Relationship Tips<\/p>\n People with misophonia may be able to improve their relationships by:<\/p>\n People in relationships with partners who have misophonia can support their relationship and partner by:<\/p>\n Recent research shows both short-term and long-term efficacy of CBT for misophonia, with 37% showing clinical improvement. However, treatment approaches continue to evolve as researchers better understand this condition.<\/p>\n Couples Counseling and Misophonia<\/p>\n Individual counseling may help a person with misophonia better understand their diagnosis and triggers, develop coping skills, and perhaps even overcome their triggers through progressive exposure.<\/p>\n\n
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