topic Re: Misophonia on the Today Show in Community Chat

Misophonia on the Today Show

BlondeMoment_1 — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 21:59:15 GMT

I was watching the Today Show when this story came up and I believe this diagnosis fits me to an exact "t." I have never heard of misophonia before but the more research I've done on it, explains a lot. Does anyone else have experience or have been diagnosed with this?

It's good to know there's an actual term and research going into it. Everyone things I'm crazy for how annoyed and angry I get at pen clicking, loud chewing, whistling, constant coughing, sniffling and gum cracking, snapping, popping. Interesting stuff. Hope they find a legitimate remedy for coping with this soon!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misophonia

Re: Misophonia on the Today Show

151949 — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 12:35:19 GMT

I was just reading about this disorder online. I thought of all the people on this board who say they are bothered by the sounds people make when they are eating. Even their own children. Oddly, the noise they themselves make don't bother them at all. The article I read said this is a symptom of a larger psychiatric disorder and should be treated as such. It also said it is a widespread disorder. Some parents can't even stand to feed their children.

Re: Misophonia on the Today Show

Moonchilde — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 13:16:51 GMT

@blondemoment_1 wrote:
I was watching the Today Show when this story came up and I believe this diagnosis fits me to an exact "t." I have never heard of misophonia before but the more research I've done on it, explains a lot. Does anyone else have experience or have been diagnosed with this?

It's good to know there's an actual term and research going into it. Everyone things I'm crazy for how annoyed and angry I get at pen clicking, loud chewing, whistling, constant coughing, sniffling and gum cracking, snapping, popping. Interesting stuff. Hope they find a legitimate remedy for coping with this soon!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misophonia

@BlondeMoment_1

Google "soft sound sensitivity" and hyperacusis. Also "highly sensitive person" and you will get some good information, especially the first search.

Doctors and researchers seem to have recently lumped one or more issues together, focused on "worst cases" and decided that everyone who experiences any of this has a psychiatric disorder or is on the autism spectrum. I disagree. First of all, not everyone, as I'm sure you know ;-) experiences any of these issues as 100% absolute 24/7 making them unable to function and requiring counseling or psychiatric intervention. For many, as adults, they are simply annoyances you learn to live with, might wonder about, and that's about it. It's far from incapacitating for most, nor do people around you even know.

Re: Misophonia on the Today Show

Allegheny — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 14:34:43 GMT

This is interesting. I have extremely acute hearing. In other words, my hearing is very, very good in comparison to others around me. I am either aware of or can hear things others don't.

While I don't experience misophonia, there are certain certain noises that actually are painful for me. Like a public transit bus when it pulls away after a stop, certain construction vehicles, sometimes motorcycles.

Re: Misophonia on the Today Show

Puzzle Piece — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 15:15:43 GMT

I know what the OP is referring to. I have good hearing. In the past, the actions she is annoyed with was called bad manners and not having any 'class'. You removed yourself from a room/crowd if you were coughing AND you ALWAYS covered your mouth/nose when you sneezed or yawned. You didn't chew or snap your gum, in fact, after you were a child you didn't need to chew gum. I still remember the lessons dealing with all the bad manners that are so openly expressed today. Some very small but large ways that let others know you are educated, mannered, and have some CLASS.

Re: Misophonia on the Today Show

MaggieMack — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 15:27:34 GMT

@BlondeMoment_1

Very interesting article and topic. I've known people who must have this syndrome or whatever they call it. I laughed when they mentioned snoring, I would think snoring would affect/annoy 99% of the population.

While reading, I started to wonder about the various posters who get SO annoyed with host antics or the number of times a particular item is presented. Maybe there is another syndrome name that would cover this?

Re: Misophonia on the Today Show

151949 — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 15:43:03 GMT

@Puzzle Piece wrote:
I know what the OP is referring to. I have good hearing. In the past, the actions she is annoyed with was called bad manners and not having any 'class'. You removed yourself from a room/crowd if you were coughing AND you ALWAYS covered your mouth/nose when you sneezed or yawned. You didn't chew or snap your gum, in fact, after you were a child you didn't need to chew gum. I still remember the lessons dealing with all the bad manners that are so openly expressed today. Some very small but large ways that let others know you are educated, mannered, and have some CLASS.

I don't think you are understanding correctly. These people aren't annoyed because others have bad habits they are just bothered by normal , polite noises. For instance if a person would bite a raw carrot it would snap and then as they chew it, it would make a crunch noise. Not impolite at all but the noises make some people very annoyed, or nauseous or irritated.

Re: Misophonia on the Today Show

NoelSeven — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 15:51:06 GMT

@151949 wrote:
@Puzzle Piece wrote:
I know what the OP is referring to. I have good hearing. In the past, the actions she is annoyed with was called bad manners and not having any 'class'. You removed yourself from a room/crowd if you were coughing AND you ALWAYS covered your mouth/nose when you sneezed or yawned. You didn't chew or snap your gum, in fact, after you were a child you didn't need to chew gum. I still remember the lessons dealing with all the bad manners that are so openly expressed today. Some very small but large ways that let others know you are educated, mannered, and have some CLASS.

I don't think you are understanding correctly. These people aren't annoyed because others have bad habits they are just bothered by normal , polite noises. For instance if a person would bite a raw carrot it would snap and then as they chew it, it would make a crunch noise. Not impolite at all but the noises make some people very annoyed, or nauseous or irritated.

*************************

Not buying that. Too many people have no table manners and gulp and smack away. The noise itself doesn't get me, but sounding like a pig at the trough does.

Re: Misophonia on the Today Show

151949 — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 15:56:19 GMT

@NoelSeven wrote:
@151949 wrote:
@Puzzle Piece wrote:
I know what the OP is referring to. I have good hearing. In the past, the actions she is annoyed with was called bad manners and not having any 'class'. You removed yourself from a room/crowd if you were coughing AND you ALWAYS covered your mouth/nose when you sneezed or yawned. You didn't chew or snap your gum, in fact, after you were a child you didn't need to chew gum. I still remember the lessons dealing with all the bad manners that are so openly expressed today. Some very small but large ways that let others know you are educated, mannered, and have some CLASS.

I don't think you are understanding correctly. These people aren't annoyed because others have bad habits they are just bothered by normal , polite noises. For instance if a person would bite a raw carrot it would snap and then as they chew it, it would make a crunch noise. Not impolite at all but the noises make some people very annoyed, or nauseous or irritated.
*************************

Not buying that. Too many people have no table manners and gulp and smack away. The noise itself doesn't get me, but sounding like a pig at the trough does.

Instead of arguing with me - why don't you look it up. Then you may have an idea what we are discussing. Google is your friend.

Re: Misophonia on the Today Show

151949 — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 16:00:42 GMT

Unfortunately, some people use diagnosis like "highly sensitive person" or Misophonia as an excuse for being rude to or manipulative to others because polite people try to be understanding of other folks' disabilities.

Re: Misophonia on the Today Show

Puzzle Piece — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 16:00:57 GMT

@151949 wrote:
@Puzzle Piece wrote:
I know what the OP is referring to. I have good hearing. In the past, the actions she is annoyed with was called bad manners and not having any 'class'. You removed yourself from a room/crowd if you were coughing AND you ALWAYS covered your mouth/nose when you sneezed or yawned. You didn't chew or snap your gum, in fact, after you were a child you didn't need to chew gum. I still remember the lessons dealing with all the bad manners that are so openly expressed today. Some very small but large ways that let others know you are educated, mannered, and have some CLASS.

I don't think you are understanding correctly. These people aren't annoyed because others have bad habits they are just bothered by normal , polite noises. For instance if a person would bite a raw carrot it would snap and then as they chew it, it would make a crunch noise. Not impolite at all but the noises make some people very annoyed, or nauseous or irritated.

I understand what the OP wrote. Other 'polite noises' are noises that folks just impose on others and call them 'polite' - like cracking their knuckles. No class. As for the carrot that is also done with some human dignity - not snobbery. A person is taught at an early age (if they had good parenting/schooling) that you don't just gobble at the table and you place appropriate portions on your fork/spoon so that you don't make noises like an animal. That's why we consider ourselves at the top of the food chain and removed from animals. If you are referring to an outside bar-b-que/picnic, then the chrunching might be acceptable. However, never be careless at any event where there are business associates and your boss or professionals. No class.

Re: Misophonia on the Today Show

151949 — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 16:05:31 GMT

@Puzzle Piece wrote:
@151949 wrote:
@Puzzle Piece wrote:
I know what the OP is referring to. I have good hearing. In the past, the actions she is annoyed with was called bad manners and not having any 'class'. You removed yourself from a room/crowd if you were coughing AND you ALWAYS covered your mouth/nose when you sneezed or yawned. You didn't chew or snap your gum, in fact, after you were a child you didn't need to chew gum. I still remember the lessons dealing with all the bad manners that are so openly expressed today. Some very small but large ways that let others know you are educated, mannered, and have some CLASS.

I don't think you are understanding correctly. These people aren't annoyed because others have bad habits they are just bothered by normal , polite noises. For instance if a person would bite a raw carrot it would snap and then as they chew it, it would make a crunch noise. Not impolite at all but the noises make some people very annoyed, or nauseous or irritated.
I understand what the OP wrote. Other 'polite noises' are noises that folks just impose on others and call them 'polite' - like cracking their knuckles. No class. As for the carrot that is also done with some human dignity - not snobbery. A person is taught at an early age (if they had good parenting/schooling) that you don't just gobble at the table and you place appropriate portions on your fork/spoon so that you don't make noises like an animal. That's why we consider ourselves at the top of the food chain and removed from animals. If you are referring to an outside bar-b-que/picnic, then the chrunching might be acceptable. However, never be careless at any event where there are business associates and your boss or professionals. No class.

It sounds from what you are writing here that you may have this disorder. Clearly, the sounds of normal, polite people eating normal food is repulsive to you.

Re: Misophonia on the Today Show

MyShadowLove — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 16:08:18 GMT

Sounds like more money for the Pharmaceutical Industry!

Has anyone also seen the commercials regarding people who laugh or cry uncontrollably at times?...Is there anyone here who hasn't?...These actions are also now diagnosed as a Psychiatric Disorder...I wonder what the "normal" time limit for laughing or crying is?

If this keeps up, any sound, movement or activity will be diagnosed as a Psychiatric Disorder!

Sorry, this is all getting a little scary!...Oops, I wonder what my diagnosis is?

Re: Misophonia on the Today Show

151949 — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 16:23:37 GMT

@MyShadowLove wrote:
Sounds like more money for the Pharmaceutical Industry!

Has anyone also seen the commercials regarding people who laugh or cry uncontrollably at times?...Is there anyone here who hasn't?...These actions are also now diagnosed as a Psychiatric Disorder...I wonder what the "normal" time limit for laughing or crying is?

If this keeps up, any sound, movement or activity will be diagnosed as a Psychiatric Disorder!

Sorry, this is all getting a little scary!...Oops, I wonder what my diagnosis is?

Actually, misophonia can be seriously disturbing to ones life. Imagine if you can't stand to feed your own children. Or to eat in a public place like a restaurant. You would never be able to stand to be in the room when another person is eating. We are kinda taking it lightly here but it can be very serious.

Re: Misophonia on the Today Show

NoelSeven — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 16:31:13 GMT

@Puzzle Piece wrote:

I understand what the OP wrote. Other 'polite noises' are noises that folks just impose on others and call them 'polite' - like cracking their knuckles. No class. As for the carrot that is also done with some human dignity - not snobbery. A person is taught at an early age (if they had good parenting/schooling) that you don't just gobble at the table and you place appropriate portions on your fork/spoon so that you don't make noises like an animal. That's why we consider ourselves at the top of the food chain and removed from animals. If you are referring to an outside bar-b-que/picnic, then the chrunching might be acceptable. However, never be careless at any event where there are business associates and your boss or professionals. No class.

***************************

LR, I am totally with you on this!

There are businesses in this area that send their new professional hires to manners class, especially table manners. They say it's totally needed.

What's the deal with some people not teaching kids table manners anymore? We used to have a professional woman who'd join a group of us for dinner once in awhile. She ate with her hands and her son did the same thing. I could not stand watching her.

Re: Misophonia on the Today Show

Moonchilde — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 16:41:22 GMT

@151949 wrote:
Unfortunately, some people use diagnosis like "highly sensitive person" or Misophonia as an excuse for being rude to or manipulative to others because polite people try to be understanding of other folks' disabilities.

Unfortunately, some people are well known for insulting and snarking in the guise of "interesting" discussions and "being polite."

Re: Misophonia on the Today Show

MyShadowLove — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 16:56:05 GMT

@151949 wrote:
@MyShadowLove wrote:
Sounds like more money for the Pharmaceutical Industry!

Has anyone also seen the commercials regarding people who laugh or cry uncontrollably at times?...Is there anyone here who hasn't?...These actions are also now diagnosed as a Psychiatric Disorder...I wonder what the "normal" time limit for laughing or crying is?

If this keeps up, any sound, movement or activity will be diagnosed as a Psychiatric Disorder!

Sorry, this is all getting a little scary!...Oops, I wonder what my diagnosis is?

Actually, misophonia can be seriously disturbing to ones life. Imagine if you can't stand to feed your own children. Or to eat in a public place like a restaurant. You would never be able to stand to be in the room when another person is eating. We are kinda taking it lightly here but it can be very serious.

**************************

@151949...Please do not misunderstand my post...I certainly do not take lightly any serious, debillitating psychiatric disorders...I am just concerned and questioning the diagnoses of and placing labels on all behaviors or annoyances that are perfectly normal.

I would advise anyone to tread carefully before being prescribed a drug, which could prove to be dangerous, for something which may be perfectly normal for them.

Re: Misophonia on the Today Show

Moonchilde — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 16:43:54 GMT

@MyShadowLove wrote:
Sounds like more money for the Pharmaceutical Industry!

Has anyone also seen the commercials regarding people who laugh or cry uncontrollably at times?...Is there anyone here who hasn't?...These actions are also now diagnosed as a Psychiatric Disorder...I wonder what the "normal" time limit for laughing or crying is?

If this keeps up, any sound, movement or activity will be diagnosed as a Psychiatric Disorder!

Sorry, this is all getting a little scary!...Oops, I wonder what my diagnosis is?

LOL! Here, here! Or in this thread I guess it should be "Hear, hear!" 😉

Re: Misophonia on the Today Show

Puzzle Piece — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 19:41:56 GMT

@151949 You are trying to do some armchair psychology here. No, the ordinary chewing/eating like a mannered person is not what I am referring to at all. Those that masticate like a cow or slurp their liquids up like an animal at a stream are just not mannered.

If the OP has a disorder, then maybe there is a certain sensitivity but it may not be classified as a phobia or sorts. It's just a way to get the social scientists a job or pay or even a drug company or two some money. We do have a society that is completely unaware they are offensive in their lack of manners to others while out in public.

Re: Misophonia on the Today Show

RoughDraft — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 21:05:13 GMT

How did this thread go from Mysphonia, which may be a neurological disorder involving sound, to bad table manners? From what I read, it's an extreme sensitivity to "sounds" that disturb, upset or annoy the sufferer that doesn't ordinarily upset a person who is not affected with the disorder.