Misophonia Prevalence Study in Mumbai Hospital

A validated tool for diagnosing the sound sensitivity condition misophonia is now available in Marathi, a language spoken by over 83 million people in India. Researchers Suman Chalotra, Nirali Chauhan, and Deepa Valame successfully translated and tested the Amsterdam Misophonia Questionnaire (A-MISO-S), finding that 11% of their study participants showed moderate to severe symptoms. Their work, published in the Egyptian Journal of Otolaryngology, provides a critical resource for identifying and understanding misophonia in a major Indian linguistic group where data has been scarce.

How Researchers Adapted the Questionnaire for Marathi

The team followed a rigorous translation protocol established by the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) to ensure accuracy and cultural relevance. The process began with forward translation from English to Marathi by bilingual experts. A separate translator then performed a backward translation from Marathi back into English, allowing the researchers to check for discrepancies in meaning.

Finally, a panel of audiologists reviewed the Marathi version for face validity, ensuring the questions made sense clinically and were phrased appropriately for the target audience. This careful methodology was designed to create a tool that is not just a literal translation, but one that accurately captures the experience of misophonia for Marathi speakers.

Key Findings: Prevalence, Gender, and Reliability

The researchers administered the final Marathi A-MISO-S to 227 individuals without hearing or psychological issues. Statistical analysis of the results yielded several important findings.

The translated questionnaire demonstrated excellent internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha score of 0.82, indicating the questions reliably measure the same underlying construct. Test-retest reliability was also strong; 30 participants who retook the test in both languages after two weeks gave very similar answers, confirming the tool’s stability over time.

In terms of population impact, 11% of participants scored in the range indicating moderate to severe misophonia. This suggests the condition is not rare in this group. A clear gender disparity emerged: females were significantly more likely to report misophonic symptoms than males (p = 0.03). The study found no significant association between misophonia and age.

Why This Validation Matters for Patients and Clinics

The availability of a validated Marathi A-MISO-S has immediate practical implications. For clinicians in Maharashtra and other Marathi-speaking regions, it provides a standardized, evidence-based method to screen for and diagnose misophonia. This can lead to earlier identification, reducing the time patients spend without understanding their condition or accessing support.

The 11% prevalence figure underscores a significant, previously unmeasured public health need. It argues for including misophonia assessment in routine audiological and mental health evaluations. Furthermore, the gender finding aligns with some global trends and suggests a need for research into why females may be more susceptible, whether due to biological, social, or reporting factors. This work connects to broader conversations about the overlap between sound sensitivity and mental health, similar to research exploring the link between tinnitus and anxiety.

Directions for Future Misophonia Research

Chalotra and colleagues note that their study is a foundational step. The translated tool now enables larger epidemiological studies across India to determine the true national prevalence of misophonia. Future research must investigate the factors contributing to the condition’s development and its relationship with other disorders.

The complex relationship with gender requires specific exploration. Researchers can also examine how misophonia interacts with common co-occurring conditions like tinnitus or hyperacusis. Understanding these brain-based connections is a growing area of study, much like work on tinnitus phenotypes and brain connectivity. Additionally, exploring psychological factors and potential interventions, such as those informed by brain stimulation to boost psychotherapy, could be valuable next steps.

This validation study, detailed in the paper “Translation and validation of Amsterdam Misophonia Questionnaire (A-MISO-S) in Marathi language”, provides more than a questionnaire. It offers a lens through which to see and address a hidden burden of sound sensitivity, paving the way for better care for millions of people.