Misophonia Prevalence in Mumbai’s Tertiary Healthcare Study

A new study has translated and validated a key tool for diagnosing misophonia for Marathi speakers, finding that 11% of participants showed moderate to severe symptoms. The work by researchers Suman Chalotra, Nirali Chauhan, and Deepa Valame provides a critical step in identifying this often-overlooked condition in a major Indian linguistic group.

Building a Diagnostic Tool for Marathi Speakers

The research team focused on the Amsterdam Misophonia Questionnaire (A-MISO-S), a standard instrument for assessing the condition. Their goal was to create a Marathi version that was both linguistically accurate and culturally appropriate. They followed a rigorous translation protocol from the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS). This involved independent forward translation from English to Marathi, followed by a separate backward translation from Marathi back to English to check for consistency. Audiologists then reviewed the final version to ensure its clinical relevance and face validity for the target population.

Study Methods: Assessing Reliability and Prevalence

The team conducted face-to-face interviews with 227 individuals, carefully excluding those with known hearing loss or psychological conditions to isolate misophonic reactions. To test the new tool’s reliability, they asked 30 participants who were fluent in both English and Marathi to complete the questionnaire in both languages, with a two-week gap between tests. This allowed the researchers to measure test-retest reliability and concurrent validity. They analyzed the data using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and factor analysis to confirm the questionnaire’s internal structure.

Finding 1: A Reliable Tool for Clinics

The analysis confirmed the Marathi A-MISO-S is a robust diagnostic instrument. It showed good internal consistency, indicated by a Cronbach’s alpha score of 0.82. The test-retest results were also strong, meaning individuals’ scores remained stable over the two-week period. This statistical validation means healthcare providers in Marathi-speaking regions can confidently use this version to screen for and diagnose misophonia, filling a significant gap in available clinical resources. The need for such validated tools is part of a broader push for integrated auditory health approaches that address complex conditions.

Finding 2: An 11% Prevalence and a Gender Link

Applying the new tool revealed meaningful data on misophonia’s presence. Among the participants, 11% scored in the range indicating moderate to severe symptoms. This figure provides a crucial baseline for understanding the condition’s impact in this community. The study also found a statistically significant association with gender. Females were more likely to experience misophonia than males, a result with a p-value of 0.03. No significant link was found between misophonia and age. This gender finding aligns with other research into sound sensitivity disorders, suggesting shared underlying mechanisms that may differ by sex. For instance, studies show that tinnitus auditory profiles vary by age, indicating demographic factors are important across auditory conditions.

Practical Implications for Hearing Health in India

This study has direct clinical and public health implications. First, it provides audiologists and mental health professionals with a validated, culturally adapted tool to identify misophonia in Marathi-speaking patients. Accurate diagnosis is the essential first step toward management, which can include sound therapy, counseling, and cognitive behavioral techniques. Second, the 11% prevalence rate signals that misophonia is a common and likely under-recognised source of distress. It underscores an urgent need for greater awareness among both medical professionals and the general public.

The significant gender difference requires further investigation. It points to potential biological, psychological, or social factors that make females more susceptible. Understanding this disparity could inform more personalized treatment strategies. The researchers explicitly note that India suffers from a severe lack of epidemiological data on misophonia. This study is a foundational step to address that gap. Future work must explore the psychological factors intertwined with misophonia and confirm these findings in larger, population-based samples. Research into related conditions, such as the work on DTI-ALPS analysis for hearing and sound sensitivity, may offer parallel insights into the neural basis of these aversive reactions.

Conclusion: A Foundation for Better Care

The successful translation and validation of the A-MISO-S into Marathi is more than an academic exercise. It is a practical tool that can change how a common but hidden condition is addressed in a population of millions. By establishing a reliable diagnostic method and providing initial prevalence data, Suman Chalotra and colleagues have laid essential groundwork. Their work calls for increased clinical recognition of misophonia and highlights the necessity for developing accessible treatment options tailored to the Indian context.

Source: Chalotra, S., Chauhan, N., & Valame, D. (2026). Translation and validation of Amsterdam Misophonia Questionnaire (A-MISO-S) into Marathi. Journal of Health Sciences. DOI: 10.1186/s43163-026-01108-1.