The sound of chewing is a very annoying sound. According to a recent study by Curry’s PC World, 49 per cent of UK adults dislike the noise the most. Women are more likely than men to dislike the noise, with 55 per cent stating that it was their least favourite sound.
Symptoms
For someone with this disorder, chewing can be so loud that it can interfere with their ability to concentrate. They are often hypersensitive to the sound and can’t concentrate on anything else until the noise stops. Often, people are unaware that they are the ones chewing so loud. Luckily, there are ways to deal with this problem.
The first step is to identify the sound. If your mouth sounds like this every day, it may be a sign of a neurological condition called misophonia. This condition causes people to have a dislike for certain sounds, and it affects social interactions and relationships. People who experience this disorder also tend to avoid places or situations where they can hear others chewing. In addition, people with misophonia may experience sudden rage or anger outbursts in the presence of the sounds they can’t stand.
Causes
Many people make noises while chewing, but there are some who are extremely sensitive to this sound. Some suffer from misophonia, an anxiety disorder in which a person’s reactions to mouthy noises can become very severe. People with this condition cannot control the amount of noise they make, and it can cause great emotional distress.
If you suffer from this condition, it’s important to recognize that you’re not alone. The noises that other people do not notice can enrage and annoy you to no end. Fortunately, there are several treatment options for this condition. Talking about your feelings is a more productive way to resolve these problems than blaming your partner or expressing disgust. You can also try calming techniques like deep breathing and positive affirmations. In addition, you can work on managing your misophonia by identifying triggers and exposing yourself to them in low-stress situations. A professional therapist can also help you with this treatment.
The NHS classifies misophonia as hearing sensitivity. People with misophonia are hypersensitive to certain sounds, and it may be difficult for them to concentrate on anything until their chewing stops. As a result, they may think they’re the loudest chewer in the world.
Treatments
The term “misophonia” translates to “hatred of sounds”. This condition causes an individual to react strongly to everyday sounds. This can cause them to avoid certain situations or risk compromising their mental health. Treatment for this condition focuses on identifying the cause and determining a suitable treatment plan.
The symptoms of misophonia are not always obvious and can include fear, irritation, or rage. These are emotional responses to the sounds and can cause the sufferer to avoid those situations altogether. The condition can also be caused by certain smells, pen-clicking, or humming. The cause of misophonia is unknown, but it is likely to involve a decreased tolerance of sounds.
Fortunately, there are treatments for this condition that can help the sufferer live a normal life. The first step is finding out what causes the aversion to the sounds. While some treatments involve exposure to loud noises, others are more gradual. Exposure must be slow and gentle to prevent the patient from going overboard.