Misophonia Prevalence in Mumbai: A Healthcare Study

A Marathi translation of the Amsterdam Misophonia Questionnaire (A-MISO-S) has been validated, showing good reliability and revealing that 11% of a study population exhibited moderate to severe misophonic symptoms. The work by Chalotra, Chauhan, and Valame provides a culturally adapted tool for diagnosing this sound sensitivity disorder among millions of Marathi speakers in India.

A Methodical Translation for Clinical Use

The researchers followed a structured translation protocol from the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) to ensure accuracy. The process involved forward translation from English to Marathi by proficient speakers, then backward translation from Marathi back to English by different translators to check for consistency. Audiologists reviewed the final version to confirm its face validity—meaning the questions appeared to measure what they intended to measure in a clinical context.

Data collection involved face-to-face interviews with 227 individuals. People with known hearing or psychological issues were excluded to focus on the general population’s experience of misophonia. To test the stability of the new tool, thirty randomly selected participants with equal competence in both languages completed the questionnaire in Marathi and English again after a two-week interval.

Findings: Reliability, Prevalence, and Gender Differences

The statistical analysis confirmed the translated questionnaire’s robustness. It showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.82), meaning the items within the questionnaire reliably measured the same concept. The test-retest scores were also consistent, indicating the tool produces stable results over time.

Applying this validated tool revealed that 11% of the participants exhibited moderate to severe misophonic symptoms. This percentage provides an early estimate of the condition’s presence in this linguistic group, where epidemiological data is scarce.

A clear gender difference emerged. Females were significantly more likely to experience misophonia than males (p = 0.03). This aligns with some global trends observed in misophonia research, suggesting a potential link to gender that requires further exploration. The study found no significant association between misophonia and age among the participants.

Practical Implications for Hearing Health in India

The primary outcome of this research is a validated diagnostic tool. The Marathi A-MISO-S can now be used by audiologists, psychologists, and physicians in clinical settings to identify and assess misophonia among Marathi-speaking patients. This addresses a critical gap in accessible, culturally relevant assessment materials.

The finding that 11% of the sample had significant symptoms underscores that misophonia is not a rare experience. It indicates a tangible need for increased clinical awareness and the development of treatment pathways in India. Patients suffering from strong emotional reactions to common sounds like chewing or tapping may now be more accurately identified and can seek appropriate support. This relates to a broader understanding of integrated auditory health, where conditions like misophonia involve complex brain reactions to sound.

The gender disparity noted in the study points to a specific area for future investigation. Researchers can explore whether this difference relates to biological factors, social conditioning, or a combination of influences. It also suggests clinicians should be particularly attentive to female patients reporting sound-related distress. This finding complements earlier research exploring links between misophonia, mental health, and gender.

Future Directions and Broader Connections

The authors conclude by calling for more research into the factors contributing to misophonia, including its complex relationship with gender and other psychological factors. A validated tool like the Marathi A-MISO-S makes such population studies feasible.

From a treatment perspective, identifying patients is the first step. Once diagnosed, individuals need effective interventions. The development of sound-based and psychological therapies is ongoing, as seen in a pilot study on process-based misophonia treatment. Having a reliable diagnostic questionnaire in local languages is foundational to such treatment research.

This translation work also highlights a model for expanding auditory health resources. Similar efforts could adapt questionnaires for tinnitus, hyperacusis, and other hearing-related conditions into various Indian languages, making evidence-based care more equitable and widespread.

The study by Chalotra, Chauhan, and Valame is a concrete step toward better understanding and managing misophonia in a large population. The research is published and available via its DOI: 10.1186/s43163-026-01108-1.