Agreed breaks
Talk about whether a short break would help someone stay involved: where they could step away, how to signal it and how to rejoin.
Independent information · Republic of Ireland
Understanding
misophonia.
Finding support
in Ireland.
Some everyday sounds can trigger intense emotional and physical reactions in people with misophonia. This can affect relationships, work, study and life at home. This independent guide explains misophonia, offers ways to talk about it and brings together sources of support in Ireland.
Plain-English information, with links to published sources.
Understanding misophonia
What is misophonia?
More than ordinary annoyance
Misophonia involves a reduced tolerance to particular sounds or things associated with them. These “triggers” can bring intense anger, disgust or anxiety, alongside physical reactions such as a racing heart or muscle tension. A person may feel a strong urge to leave. The particular sound or its meaning can matter more than how loud it is. [1]
Triggers and reactions vary from person to person. For some, the impact on daily life is substantial. [1]
Examples of common triggers
Examples include chewing, breathing, sniffing, tapping or clicking. These are examples, not a checklist: people can have different triggers. [1]
Everyday life
Living with misophonia
Shared meals, journeys or time with other people can become difficult. Some people find it hard to concentrate at work or in education, or avoid activities they would otherwise enjoy. What feels manageable in one setting may be difficult in another. [1] [2]
Seating choices
A different seat at a meal, meeting or on a journey may be worth discussing. Ask what feels manageable and what is practical for others.
Communication plans
Decide what you want to explain, which adjustments you want to discuss and who, if anyone, you would like to involve.
These are options to discuss and adapt, not treatments. Try an arrangement that feels workable for everyone, then check how it is going.
Supporting someone
Understanding starts
with listening.
You do not need to experience misophonia yourself to take someone’s distress seriously. Ask what is difficult, listen to their experience and talk about changes that respect everyone involved.
Read Oxford Health’s explanation of misophonia [2] for background on its everyday impact.
What support can look like
- Listen without dismissing. Give them space to explain. “Just ignore it” can close down a conversation.
- Choose a calm moment. Discuss adjustments when everyone has space to listen, rather than during a difficult reaction.
- Agree a discreet signal. A word or gesture can let someone ask for a break without explaining in front of others.
- Never test their reaction. Do not deliberately make or repeat a trigger sound to see what happens.
- Make room for everyone’s needs. Agree what each person can reasonably do, then check whether the arrangement is working.
Something you could say
“I’d like to understand what this is like for you. Could we talk about one change that might make things easier for both of us? We could agree a signal for a break, then check in about how it went.”
Example conversation — adapt it to your situation.
Finding words for your own experience
If you experience misophonia, you can use these examples to start a conversation. Adapt them to sound like you, and share only what you feel comfortable sharing. You do not need to explain everything at once.
With a partner
I want us to be able to enjoy time together. Some sounds bring on a strong reaction for me, and I can find it hard to carry on with what we’re doing. Could we talk about one change to try, and agree how to let each other know when we need a pause?
With family or friends
I’d like to join in, but some sounds can become overwhelming for me. If I step away for a few minutes, I’m taking a break, not rejecting your company. Could we agree a discreet signal so I don’t have to explain each time?
At work
Some sounds make it difficult for me to concentrate. Could we discuss whether a different seat or agreed short breaks would be workable? I’d prefer to focus on practical adjustments and keep personal details private.
In education
Some sounds make it hard for me to focus in class or while studying. Who could I speak to about possible adjustments, such as seating choices or a discreet way to ask for a break?
Support in Ireland
Finding support
in Ireland.
The resources below cover the Republic of Ireland. A GP can be a starting point for talking about symptoms, their impact and possible referrals. Available options depend on your needs, local services and eligibility; access to specialist misophonia care is not guaranteed.
Hearing services
HSE audiology
The HSE audiology service provides help with hearing loss. Its published eligibility includes all children, adults with a medical card, and students until they leave third-level education. A medical referral is required; adults can be referred by a GP or an ear, nose and throat (ENT) consultant.
The HSE page does not describe a specialist misophonia service. Being eligible for audiology does not mean misophonia treatment will be offered.
Read HSE eligibility & referral informationPsychologists
PSI directory
The Psychological Society of Ireland’s directory lists Chartered Psychologists who choose to be publicly listed. Their fields and services vary; not all offer clinical care.
Check the psychologist’s area of practice and the services they offer.
Find a Chartered PsychologistCounselling & psychotherapy
IACP directory
The Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy provides a directory of accredited therapists.
You can use its search options to explore therapists by location and the services they offer.
Find an accredited therapistDirectory membership does not establish misophonia expertise. Ask directly about relevant experience before booking. These links are starting points for enquiries, not endorsements; check current eligibility and availability with each service. [6] [7] [8]
Questions you could ask a provider
- What experience do you have supporting people with misophonia?
- What would happen at the first appointment?
- What approach would you suggest, and what evidence supports its use for misophonia?
- What does each appointment cost, and do I need a referral?
- What changes could we realistically work towards, and how would we review progress?
Treatment & research
Misophonia treatment
and research.
Research into misophonia treatment is still developing. In one randomised trial, adults receiving a particular group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) programme had greater symptom improvement than adults on a waiting list. The trial studied one programme in a small adult sample, so its findings do not establish how well other approaches work. [3]
A small trial in young people compared a CBT-based programme with information about the condition and relaxation training. The CBT-based group improved more on some, but not all, measures. Larger studies and longer follow-up are needed, and findings in young people cannot automatically be applied to adults. [9]
The aim is to reduce distress and the impact on daily life. Evidence of improvement does not mean a guaranteed cure or an approach that works for everyone. [3] [9]
These are summaries of selected studies, not a treatment recommendation or a full review of the evidence. A qualified healthcare professional can discuss the evidence in relation to your own needs.
Common questions
Questions about misophonia
Is misophonia simply finding sounds annoying?
No. Misophonia can cause intense distress and physical reactions that interfere with daily life. It is more than disliking a sound. [1]
Can quiet sounds trigger it?
Yes. A sound does not have to be loud to trigger a reaction. Its pattern, meaning or context can matter more than its volume. [1]
Can it affect relationships?
Yes. Meals, shared spaces or time together can become difficult, and reactions may be misunderstood. Talking when everyone is calm can help you discuss each person’s needs. See ways to support someone and start a conversation. [2]
How is it different from hyperacusis or tinnitus?
The main distinction is what causes the difficulty: particular triggers in misophonia, the perceived loudness of everyday sounds in hyperacusis, and sounds without an outside source in tinnitus. They can coexist. See the comparison above for more detail. [1] [4] [5]
Where can I start looking for help in Ireland?
You can start by discussing what happens and how it affects you with a GP. They can help explore possible referral options. Our Republic of Ireland support section explains HSE audiology eligibility and links to professional directories. You can also use the questions there when contacting a provider. [6] [7] [8]
The information behind this guide
Sources &
further reading.
Follow the references to explore the research, explanations and Irish service information used in this guide.
Information last checked:
This website provides general information and does not replace individual assessment or advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
This guide has not been medically reviewed.
- Swedo et al. (2022). Consensus Definition of Misophonia: A Delphi Study. Definition, triggers and variation. Publisher full text.
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust: Misophonia. Clinical explanation and everyday impact. UK information, not an Irish service pathway.
- Jager et al. (2021). Cognitive behavioral therapy for misophonia: A randomized clinical trial. Adult group-CBT trial. PubMed abstract.
- NHS: Noise sensitivity (hyperacusis). Differences in sound tolerance.
- NHS: Tinnitus. Explanation of tinnitus.
- HSE: Using the HSE audiology service. Published eligibility and referral information.
- PSI: Chartered Psychologist Online Directory. Directory scope.
- IACP: Find an accredited therapist. Therapist directory.
- Lewin et al. (2026; online 2025). Treatment of Youth Misophonia: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Publisher version. Youth evidence, checked through the PubMed abstract.