Do you hate the sound of other people eating? Scientists have worked out why Some brains have stronger link between sound-processing and mouth-control areas
about 3 hours ago Ian Sample
While the familiar munching and slurping of the dinner table are innocuous enough to most, those with misophonia – literally a hatred of sound – can find them profoundly irritating. Photograph: iStock
Scientists have shed light on why everyday sounds such as chewing, drinking and breathing can be so maddening to some people that it drives them to despair.
While the familiar munching and slurping of the dinner table are innocuous enough to most, those with misophonia – literally a hatred of sound – can find them profoundly irritating, to the point that they become disgusted, anxious, angry and even violent.
Noise phobia due to supersensitised connection in brain
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A “supersensitised” brain connection has been identified in people who suffer an extreme reaction to trigger sounds such as chewing or loud breathing.
While for many people the sound of someone eating or clicking a pen can be annoying, sufferers of the condition misophonia feel disgust and even rage when exposed to certain noises.
Now research led by Newcastle University has discovered increased connectivity in the brain between the auditory cortex and the motor control areas related to the face, mouth and throat.
Lead author Dr Sukhbinder Kumar said: “Our findings indicate that for people with misophonia there is abnormal communication between the auditory and motor brain regions – you could describe it as a ‘supersensitised connection’.