What to do when you hate sounds (misophonia treatment)?

When you hate sounds, it's like having a super-sensitive hearing that turns everyday noises into loud, annoying interruptions.

Imagine you're playing with your favorite toy, and suddenly someone starts making a crunchy sound nearby, like eating a bag of chips. That sound is so annoying, it stops you from enjoying your game. That’s what happens when you have misophonia, it's when certain sounds make you feel really upset or even angry.

Sometimes, it helps to cover your ears like you’re wearing a helmet in a noisy room. You can use earplugs, just like the ones singers use on stage, or wear headphones and listen to something nice, like music or a story you love.

Another way is to take a deep breath and imagine you're blowing out birthday candles. That helps your brain relax and not get so upset by the annoying sounds around you.

Sometimes, it also helps to move away from the noise, just like when you go into another room to escape from a loud brother or sister. The more you practice, the easier it gets, just like learning to ride a bike!