Misophonia Awareness and Stress in OT Audiology Students

A study of 196 university students in audiology and occupational therapy programs has found a clear link between the severity of misophonia symptoms and higher levels of perceived stress. The research, conducted by Rahmiye Nur Aktan, Ali Karaağaç, and Hilal Nur Saygılı, also reveals that students’ awareness of the condition varies significantly by their field of study.

Measuring Misophonia and Stress in Future Clinicians

The researchers aimed to gauge awareness of misophonia among students training to enter hearing and sensory health fields. They assessed 196 adult university students using three tools: a demographic form, the Misophonia Questionnaire (MQ), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The MQ evaluates the severity of emotional and behavioral reactions to trigger sounds, while the PSS measures how uncontrollable and overloaded individuals perceive their lives to be. Statistical analysis confirmed both scales had acceptable internal consistency for this group, meaning the results are reliable.

Occupational Therapy Students Show Higher Sensitivity

The results showed statistically significant differences between the two student groups. Occupational therapy (OT) students consistently scored higher on both the misophonia and perceived stress scales compared to their audiology peers.

The authors propose this difference may stem from the OT curriculum, which deeply explores sensory processing and integration. This training could make OT students more aware of their own sensory sensitivities or more attuned to subtle internal reactions. It suggests that professional knowledge can shape personal awareness of conditions like misophonia.

A Direct Link Between Sound Intolerance and Stress

A central finding of the study is the direct, positive correlation between MQ and PSS scores. As the severity of misophonia symptoms increased, so did the level of perceived stress. This data provides quantitative support for what many with misophonia report anecdotally: the constant anticipation of, or reaction to, trigger sounds creates a significant emotional burden.

The study also found that gender, department, and a family history of similar sensitivities produced distinct differences in some sub-scales. Notably, participants who reported they were not receiving any form of psychological support registered the highest stress scores of all. This points to a potential gap in care for individuals managing misophonia.

Implications for Understanding and Managing Misophonia

These findings move the conversation about misophonia beyond a simple model of “sound sensitivity.” The study positions it as a complex condition where auditory triggers interact with emotional regulation systems and stress pathways. The chronic stress associated with misophonia reactions can affect overall well-being and quality of life.

The high stress in individuals without psychological support is a clear call to action. It emphasizes the need for greater awareness among healthcare providers—including audiologists and occupational therapists—so they can recognize misophonia and guide patients toward appropriate management. This could include cognitive behavioral therapy, sound therapy, or stress-reduction techniques. For some, emerging neuromodulation approaches like transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation for misophonia relief may offer a future avenue, as research into calming the nervous system’s overreaction progresses.

The Case for a Multidisciplinary Approach

Aktan and colleagues conclude that a multidisciplinary framework is likely necessary for effective treatment. An audiologist can help assess auditory function and recommend sound-based strategies, while a mental health professional can address the anxiety, anger, and stress responses. An occupational therapist can work on adaptive strategies and sensory integration.

This integrated view aligns with the understanding of other hearing-related conditions. For instance, the strong link between misophonia and stress mirrors the connections seen in tinnitus, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, the involvement of heightened emotional and threat responses shares neurological features with conditions like PTSD and tinnitus.

Conclusion: A Condition Rooted in More Than Hearing

This study by Aktan, Karaağaç, and Saygılı provides important evidence that misophonia is firmly connected to perceived stress levels, particularly in individuals lacking psychological support. The fact that occupational therapy students—trained in sensory awareness—showed higher scores suggests that awareness itself is a double-edged sword; it can be a tool for management but may also heighten personal perception of symptoms.

The research, available in full via DOI: 10.1186/s43163-026-01163-8, reinforces the need to address misophonia’s psychosocial dimensions alongside any auditory components. Effective management will require building awareness among health professionals and creating accessible, integrated care pathways that reduce the significant stress burden this condition can create.