Misophonia Prevalence: Mumbai Hospital Study Findings

The Amsterdam Misophonia Questionnaire has been successfully translated and validated for Marathi speakers, revealing that 11% of the studied population experiences moderate to severe misophonic symptoms. A significant gender difference was also identified, with females more likely to report symptoms.

Bridging a Diagnostic Gap for Marathi Speakers

Misophonia, characterized by intense emotional and physiological reactions to common sounds like chewing or breathing, is increasingly recognized as a significant condition affecting quality of life. Yet, effective diagnosis and research depend on validated tools available in a patient’s native language. For the over 83 million Marathi speakers in India, such a tool was lacking. Researchers Suman Chalotra, Nirali Chauhan, and Deepa Valame addressed this gap by translating and validating the Amsterdam Misophonia Questionnaire (A-MISO-S) into Marathi. Their work, published with DOI 10.1186/s43163-026-01108-1, provides the first standardized instrument to assess misophonia in this population.

Method: A Rigorous Translation and Validation Process

The team followed established American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) guidelines for translation. This involved a forward translation from English to Marathi, a back-translation to English by an independent translator, and a final review by audiologists to ensure clinical face validity. They then administered the questionnaire through face-to-face interviews with 227 individuals who had no reported hearing or psychological issues.

To test the tool’s reliability, thirty participants fluent in both languages completed the questionnaire in Marathi and again in English two weeks later. The researchers used statistical analyses, including Cronbach’s alpha for internal consistency and Chi-square tests, to examine the questionnaire’s properties and identify demographic patterns.

Findings: Prevalence, Gender, and a Reliable Tool

The study produced several clear results. First, the Marathi A-MISO-S proved to be a robust instrument. It showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.82), strong test-retest reliability, and a solid internal structure, confirming it is suitable for clinical use.

Second, the data revealed that 11% of participants exhibited moderate to severe misophonic symptoms. This prevalence figure is a critical starting point for understanding the condition’s impact in India, where epidemiological data is sparse.

Third, the analysis identified a significant gender difference. Females were more likely to experience misophonia than males, a finding with a statistical significance of p = 0.03. The study found no significant association between misophonia and age. This gender link aligns with some global research and suggests a need to explore the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. For more on the psychological connections to misophonia, our article on emotional empathy and childhood trauma discusses potential contributing factors.

Implications for Hearing Health and Clinical Practice

The validation of the Marathi A-MISO-S has immediate practical implications. Clinicians in Maharashtra and other Marathi-speaking regions now have a validated, culturally appropriate tool to screen for and diagnose misophonia. This can lead to earlier identification and intervention, improving patient outcomes. The 11% prevalence rate underscores that misophonia is not a rare curiosity but a condition affecting a substantial portion of the community, warranting greater awareness among healthcare providers and the public.

The gender finding necessitates further investigation. It raises questions about whether the result reflects a true biological predisposition, differences in help-seeking behavior, or societal influences on sound sensitivity. Future research must explore these avenues to tailor effective support. Understanding misophonia also benefits from examining related conditions; for instance, the neural mechanisms of sound intolerance in hyperacusis involve increased central gain, a concept that may share common ground with misophonia pathways.

Future Research and a Call for Awareness

Chalotra and colleagues note that their work highlights a severe lack of epidemiological data on misophonia in India. This study is a foundational step. Future research should use this tool in larger, more diverse populations to confirm prevalence rates and investigate potential links with other auditory conditions like tinnitus or hyperacusis-related headache. Exploring comorbid psychological factors and testing the efficacy of interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, are essential next steps.

Ultimately, this research moves misophonia from the shadows into the realm of identifiable and measurable health conditions for millions of Marathi speakers. It provides a model for translating diagnostic tools into other Indian languages, fostering a more inclusive and accurate understanding of hearing health across diverse populations.