Misophonia is a complex disorder characterized by strong negative emotional and physiological responses to specific sounds, most commonly human-generated sounds like chewing, breathing, or repetitive noises. While the condition was first formally described in 2001, it remains underrecognized in clinical practice despite significant overlap with patients seeking care for tinnitus, hyperacusis, and other auditory processing concerns.
This workshop will aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of misophonia, beginning with its historical conceptualization and evolving diagnostic criteria. We will examine how misophonia presents distinctly from—yet may co-occur with—other sound tolerance disorders, emphasizing key differential diagnostic features relevant to audiological assessment.
The workshop will review current evidence regarding the neurobiological underpinnings of misophonia, including recent neuroimaging and psychophysiological findings that illuminate the disorder’s unique sensory-emotional processing patterns. Finally, we will explore evidence-based treatment approaches, including cognitive-behavioural strategies, sound therapy considerations, and the emerging role of interdisciplinary care models.
The overall goal of this presentation is to better equip participants to recognize misophonia in clinical populations and understand appropriate referral pathways and management strategies.