Mesophonia

Mesophonia is a hearing condition in which certain sounds elicit an excessive and involuntary emotional reaction, often anger or discomfort. People with mesophonia may become irritable or experience physical symptoms like heart palpitations or muscle tension when they hear specific sounds, such as someone eating, typing, or even whispering. It is newly recognized, not yet well understood and not widely recognized by the medical community.

Evaluation process

Detailed patient history

The healthcare provider should gather information about the individual's experiences with specific sounds and the emotional and physical reactions they elicit.

Audiological evaluation

A comprehensive hearing test can rule out hearing loss or other hearing-related issues as the cause of the excessive emotional reaction to certain sounds.

Sound sensitivity assessment

Occupational therapist (OT) are trained in the assessment and treatment of sensory processing difficulties. OT could present the individual with a range of sounds and observe their emotional and physical reactions to determine their level of sound sensitivity. They can then determine if this sound sensitivity is impacting their daily activities and overall function., and make recommendations for accommodations or modifications in the environment to reduce their exposure to triggering sounds.

Psychological assessment

A mental health professional can assess the individual's emotional and psychological well-being and rule out any underlying psychiatric conditions.

Treatment

Accommodations and modifications

Making changes in the environment to reduce exposure to triggering sounds, such as wearing noise-canceling headphones or finding quieter spaces to work or relax in. These recommendations are generally made by OTs.

Sound desensitization therapy

Gradually exposing the individual to increasing levels of the triggering sounds in a controlled environment, with the goal of reducing their emotional and physical reactions over time.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Working with a mental health professional to address negative thoughts and behaviors associated with the emotional reaction to certain sounds.

Relaxation and stress management techniques

Practicing techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and progressive muscle relaxation to help manage stress and reduce physical symptoms associated with mesophonia.

It is important to note that mesophonia is not yet widely recognized or understood by the medical community, and further research is needed to establish effective treatments. Tailored treatment strategies are essential to providing individuals with mesophonia efficient care that caters to their individual needs, which can be achieved through interprofessional collaboration between audiologists, mental health providers and occupational therapists.