Misophonia and Student Stress in Audiology Studies

**A study of 196 university students has found that those with more severe misophonia symptoms also report higher levels of perceived stress, with occupational therapy students showing particularly high scores on both measures. The research, led by Rahmiye Nur Aktan, Ali Karaağaç, and Hilal Nur Saygılı, suggests misophonia is a multidimensional condition deeply connected to emotional regulation and stress response.**

How the Study Measured Misophonia and Stress

The researchers recruited 196 adult students from occupational therapy and audiology programs. Each participant completed three forms: a demographic questionnaire, the Misophonia Questionnaire (MQ), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The MQ assesses the severity of reactions to trigger sounds and the extent of avoidance behaviors, while the PSS measures how unpredictable, uncontrollable, and overloaded respondents find their lives.

The statistical analysis confirmed that both scales were reliable tools for this group, with internal consistency coefficients ranging from 0.709 to 0.829. This gave the team confidence that the students’ responses were consistent and that the scales measured what they intended to measure.

Higher Misophonia Scores Linked to Higher Stress

The core finding was a clear relationship: as scores on the Misophonia Questionnaire increased, so did scores on the Perceived Stress Scale. This correlation was statistically significant across all parameters analyzed. The connection suggests that the intense anger, irritation, or anxiety provoked by misophonia triggers contributes directly to an individual’s overall stress burden.

Notably, occupational therapy (OT) students scored higher on both the MQ and PSS than their peers in audiology. The authors propose that OT students may have a naturally heightened sensory sensitivity or awareness due to their training, which could make them more attuned to—and more stressed by—specific auditory triggers. This finding points to the role of sensory processing differences in misophonia, a topic also explored in our article on how soundscapes affect sensory health.

Demographic Factors and Psychological Support

While age did not produce significant differences in scores, other factors did. Gender, department of study, and a reported family history of similar sound sensitivities created distinct differences on some sub-scales. One of the most striking results was that participants who were not receiving any form of psychological support had significantly higher stress scores.

This last point is critical for clinical practice. It indicates that individuals struggling with misophonia may be carrying a substantial stress load without professional support, and that simply increasing awareness of the condition among healthcare providers could lead to better management strategies. This aligns with other research on therapeutic approaches, such as the cognitive reappraisal in misophonia treatment study.

Misophonia as a Multidimensional Condition

The authors conclude that their data strongly supports viewing misophonia not as a simple auditory sensitivity, but as a complex condition that interacts with emotional regulation, stress response systems, and adaptation to environmental stimuli. The fact that symptoms often start early and can become chronic in adulthood adds to its complexity.

This multidimensional view explains why treatments focused solely on sound, such as traditional hearing aids or sound therapy, may be insufficient for some individuals. The psychosocial dimensions are equally important. The study argues for a multidisciplinary approach, potentially combining audiology, occupational therapy, and psychology, to improve treatment outcomes. This holistic perspective mirrors advances in understanding other hearing-related conditions, where the path from cochlea to cortex is recognized as critical.

Practical Implications for Patients and Professionals

For individuals with misophonia, this research validates that their experience of stress is a real and measurable part of the condition. Seeking help to manage this stress, particularly through psychological support, could be a vital component of coping.

For healthcare professionals, especially those in audiology, occupational therapy, and mental health, the findings underscore several action points:

• Screen for Stress: Assessing perceived stress should be a routine part of evaluating misophonia.
• Interdisciplinary Referrals: Collaboration between disciplines is not just beneficial but may be necessary for effective care.
• Early Identification: Since symptoms often begin in youth, increased awareness in educational and pediatric settings could lead to earlier intervention.

The study also highlights a gap in awareness even among future healthcare specialists, suggesting that curricula in relevant fields should include education on misophonia and its psychosocial impacts.

The research, published in the Egyptian Journal of Otolaryngology, adds to the growing evidence that managing misophonia effectively requires addressing the whole person—their ears, emotions, and environment. You can read the full study via its DOI: 10.1186/s43163-026-01163-8.