Quiet Environments

Quiet Environments

Misophonic reactions often feel stronger when the trigger sound is the only noise around. Many people are familiar with the phrase, “It’s so quiet you can hear a pin drop.” In very quiet environments, the auditory system essentially turns up its sensitivity, making even soft sounds seem louder. As a result, mild triggers may feel more intense, and louder triggers can provoke an even stronger response.

Silence also causes individual sounds to stand out more because there are no competing noises. Without background noise, triggers may feel more noticeable and difficult to ignore.

In this 83-second video, Tom Dozier, founder of the Misophonia Institute, provides his perspective and offers some examples for making adjustments.