Sounds Like Misophonia: How to Stop Small Noises from Causing Extreme Reactions

by Jane Gregory, Adeel Ahmad (Contributor)

'Empathetic, thoroughly informative and succinct ... Dr Gregory will be your friendly and helpful companion in the maelstrom of living with this complex disorder' - Cris Edwards, founder of misophonia charity SoQuiet

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Are you often infuriated by ticking clocks, noisy eating, loud breathing, or any other small sounds? Do you wish you could sometimes put the world on mute?

You might not have heard of misophonia, but if sounds can send you spiralling, you may have experienced it. In fact, it's thought that one in five of us have it. Sounds Like Misophonia is the first dedicated guide to help you make sense of the condition and design a treatment plan that works for you.

Using techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), clinical psychologist Dr Jane Gregory takes you through step-by-step exercises to change your relationship with sounds and streamline your coping strategies. Alongside you on your journey is podcaster and misophone Adeel Ahmad, who carries out experiments and shares case studies from volunteers around the world.

With humour and understanding, Sounds Like Misophonia offers practical ways to navigate this noisy world and live a fulfilling life, instead of fighting against it.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Psychology, Adult

336 pages, Paperback

Published September 14, 2023

Reviews

[Nadya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an active rather than a passive book. With the exception of the first part, the reader would need to be actively involved in at least some of the exercises that this book suggests for it to be meaningful. It is also a "choose your own adventure" kind of book, so jumping around sections and skipping parts that don't resonate is expected. I would have preferred to have a physical copy of the book instead of electronic because of the need to navigate back and forth and the many exercises contained in it. This book is about half text and half work book.

The first part was “what we know so far, which isn’t much”. I was sure I have some form of misophonia prior to reading the book which is why I was interested in picking it up. If anything this book made me feel like I don’t have it. Instead what I have is a heightened reaction to sounds, which could be both negative (a mild form of misophonia) and positive (ASMR, frisson). This reaction is likely due to the book featuring many examples with people who have much more severe cases than I do, which made me engage less with the book. I am either not the target audience here, or this book could have benefited from a mix of examples.

I did not connect with the “miso child” chapters so I skipped 5 and 6. Chapters on "theories" were also a bit of a hit or miss. Some exercises were rather enlightening to me, while others were less useful, but that is expected.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA for providing this ARC.

[Mrs Karen Bull · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really helped. Me. Understand my condition
I would get angry about noise but this book has helped a bit

[Lisa Weldy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

I definitely have some misophonia and I know many others who do as well. Mine is pretty mild and limited to 1-2 sounds, but I was definitely interested in learning more about this issue.

This is a very comprehensive look at misophonia, and many of the chapters are exercises and challenges to practice. I did not do the exercises and did skim through much of these chapters. I was more interested in the science behind it and general strategies.

The author writes in a easy to understand manner, and infuses some humor. I think this book would be best aimed at a reader who is serious about wanting to change their misophonia behaviors (or those of their child).

[Sananab · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too much joking. I like these kinds of books to be short and dour.

[Ellen Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - A really helpful book. The practical steps were written out clearly, and the validation throughout was a breath of fresh air.

However, I didn’t like the way it jumped around with lots of inserts/tidbits/quotes; it was distracting (so was all the banter).

But otherwise, a good, resourceful book for those of us who have miso.

[Katie Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

I recently found out via genetic testing that I’m more “susceptible” to misophonia so I had to dive into this book!

It was extremely in depth and had cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to help you cope. I think if you don’t see a therapist or want to learn methods to cope with “sound annoyance” this one is for you. I learned a ton but I think on the misophonia spectrum I may not need all the techniques here. It was so validating though ❤️

[Emma Creasey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version which wasn't given as an option on here.

I don't think this really works as an audiobook - I think I would prefer to have the physical book to refer back to for the exercises suggested, and the book also suggests places where you can turn forward or back, which is much more difficult with audio. The narration is very odd; supposedly the reader is a real person so why does she sound like an AI robot? The (already weak) puns made in the book, which I'm not sure are appropriate anyway, fall even flatter with this humourless voice. The book comes with a PDF but I am not sure what's in it is helpful - what I would really like is a summary of the exercises.

As a misophonia sufferer since early teens I was hoping for a solution, but don't expect this - some possible coping strategies are suggested, but no miracle cure. The book does expect the sufferer to do a lot of work, and if you really want a 'cure' this is probably fair enough. Some things I have already tried but others I shuddered at (imagine getting a friend to DELIBERATELY eat loudly? No thanks And how would you even start that conversation?).

Unfortunately it just made me more depressed about my problem. On the plus side I'm very glad this is now an increasingly recognised condition and that efforts are underway to study it and improve things for people.

[Francis Tapon · Rating 5 out of 5]

People who suffer from misophonia are extremely sensitive to noises.

I don't have misophonia, but sometimes I can be sensitive to sounds, so I was curious about this book.

"Sounds Like Misophonia" is a groundbreaking guide by Dr. Jane Gregory, offering a comprehensive understanding of misophonia and practical strategies to manage the condition.

What I loved most about the book is that is absolutely packed with PRACTICAL exercises.
It was short on theory and long on useful tips!
That's why it earns 5 stars in my book.

The book, which has received praise for its empathy and informative approach, is designed to help individuals navigate the challenges of living with misophonia. Dr. Gregory, a clinical psychologist, incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques and provides step-by-step exercises to help readers change their relationship with triggering sounds and develop effective coping strategies.

The inclusion of case studies and experiments by podcaster Adeel Ahmad adds a personal and relatable dimension to the book. With its supportive tone and valuable insights, Sounds Like Misophonia is a must-read for anyone seeking to overcome the impact of misophonia and lead a fulfilling life.

[Celeste · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - I listened to the audio, and while I learn better this way, this is a book where having a copy on hand will be most helpful. My rating in more for the fact that I don't love books with so many examples, even if those are useful to the reader, as an audio it starts to become background sounds because it felt like there were too many to focus. This said, a print copy of the book will be helpful for those with this condition, as it appears 1 in 5 or 20% of UK & US people do deal with it. I learned that mine might be more noticeable when irritated, to the point that even my husband and son comment that my "super hearing has engaged". While they deflect that it bothers me, the book gives me ways to focus my reactions. Sadly, like with many other things, this is a "you have to find the solution that works for you" and not a "society can change for you" type of problem. Nice to know others are dealing with this, but sad that most won't tell you because society will just try to talk you out of believing it is an issue.

[Crimson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I think this was a really comprehensive explanation of misophonia, and actually, this is the only book I've ever seen written about the topic. While my sensory challenges are mainly auditory, I also have challenges with tactile stimulation.

A lot of the first half of the book was unrelateble to me- while I tried to think of theories that were making me annoyed by those noises, I came up short most of the time. I was personally looking for more practical solutions for day to day life, but these sections may be beneficial to others.

I think this will be very helpful for those with misophonia, and I'm so happy that something has finally been written on this subject! I didn't go into this expecting it to work for me due to the fact that my sensory challenges are not from misophonia. But hey, it doesn't hurt to try, right? I thought the chapters on coping strategies were great.

[Katie Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

As a therapist specializing in people with disabilities, I was interested to learn more about Misophonia. This book is backed up by a lot of research but also a lot is still not known. While this is a great book, I definitely think it should not be used alone. This book would be a great companion to therapy and give the client extra practice.

I liked how this book used real life examples and gave readers many different skills to practice. I didn’t like how the book said several times that the reader has to figure out what works for them. That’s what therapy is for! I recommend this book to therapists who want to work with people with disabilities and people who have Misophonia.Otherwise I think people would be bored by the book because it is very therapy lingo heavy. Thank you NetGalley for providing an audience for books like these!

[Y.S. Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sounds Like Misophonia is an in-depth exploration of Misophonia, a rare condition characterized by an abnormal sensitivity to certain noises. It seeks to illustrate the far-reaching impacts of the disorder, detailing how it affects the lives of those who suffer from it. The author also provides a helpful guide on how to cope with this condition and maintain a healthy lifestyle despite its presence.

This book is a must-read for anyone struggling with Misophonia, as well as those who have family or friends affected by the condition. It offers a clear and concise breakdown of the symptoms and effects of this disorder and offers strategies on how to live with it without sacrificing well-being.

This book is for anyone suffering from Misophonia. It can also prove helpful to those who have loved ones who are always irritable around certain sounds.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book introduced some promising exercises, but I was hesitant to try them, probably through fear of how I'd react to putting myself through sounds of chewing.
I had hoped for more scientific and neuroscience-backed explanations for misophonia. I think it would have benefited from discussing underlying causes and mechanisms of this condition before going into therapies and coping mechanisms.
While the book shared personal stories from volunteers, I didnt relate to some of their experiences. Nonetheless, I’m sure these would be reassuring to others with misophonia.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy.

[Lilithcarter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgally for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve got interested in Misophonia soon after I realised the buzzing in my head at was tinnitus, because I became a little more sensitive to noises, particularly loud music with bells (such as Xmas music, I never liked it but it worsen)
I read this book from cover to cover once and my during my second reading I went backwards and forwards as the book suggested, this book ask you for your full attention and to be envolved as there are plenty of exercises to help you with the condition.

Most of the inner work and healing process would be painful and would take time, I’m not an expert myself so I’d assume you have to try anything to improve your own condition and if you think you have mild or full on misophonia this book will be a practical guide to get you started.

I think some of the exercises are actually quite helpful in other conditions such as anxiety. I don’t know if the ideas put out through out the book are suitable for neurodivergent patients though.

[RE · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's so validating to see a book written about misophonia, something so many people either don't know about or dismiss as unimportant. It was comforting to have the things I experience validated and to hear about similar experiences that other people have.

And this book had some great tools for dealing with misophonia. I've tried a few and will definitely be trying more.

Thank you to the author for taking the time to research this subject so thoroughly and write about it so thoughtfully.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Alexandria Zaobidny · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a clinician who has only heard about misophonia but didn’t know much about it, this book has been a God-send when working with clients. It may take me reading it a few times to really have a thorough understanding of how to treat this, just because the nature of treating misophonia appears to be so much more nuanced than some of the other things I work with. Dr. Gregory had wonderful examples throughout the book for me to get ideas of how to tackle misophonia approaching different parts of the cycle.

[Troy Nevitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book, but it felt like a case study focused on self-awareness, CBT, and Freudian assumptions. I actually liked it and found it helpful, but I didn't really feel like Mjsophonia was something uniquely tailored to.

Don't get me wrong... I think it was pretty focused on the topic, but the solutions were not unique. I suppose that's not uncommon in behavioural sensations, but I suppose it wasn't what I suspected.

But I enjoyed it and she gave so many practical tips that I think it's a good book. (possibly worthy of 4 stars. Idk...)

[Joni Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt so validated reading this book. I thought I was being dramatic when certain sounds make my skin crawl to the point of panic.

This book not only explains misophonia (as accurately as possible since this is a relatively new terminology) it gives you helpful tools and activities to help. Because it’s not always easy to run away. The author has a funny, relatable way of explaining what could have been a dull topic.

[Mel T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource for sufferers of misophonia. Dr Gregory offers easy to understand information about misophonia, case studies along with a variety of techniques and exercises sufferers can use to help mitigate their situation.

[ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right book, wrong time. I like that there's a lot of practical examples but I don't have someone to do this with and don't have the time to run through everything. I was hoping for more coping strategies and tips for dealing with sounds. I didn't have time for the whole journey, unfortunately.

[Noreen Machelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful guide to people with misophonia and their loved ones. It was explained in an easily understable way.

[Theres · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essential reading for anyone that gets horribly wound up by small noises eg chewing, sniffling, or beeping

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

I like how the author breaks the chapters down into very manageable chunks.

This “me-search” will provide great help to those who want some relief from their misophonia.

[Carrie McCann]

I don’t recommend the audiobook. If interested, I’d read the physical print book.

[Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gives examples of people who have the condition Misophonia.
There are personal statements from people who struggle to cope with this condition and gives examples of coping strategies.
This is a book to help with aspects of the condition and will be useful to refer to when required.
Thank you to NetGalley and for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

[organisedchaosbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful and clear guidance for people suffering with misophonia. Step by step process that was clear to understand. The only thing I wasn't keen on was the amount of anecdotes, this could of been reduced to just specific examples for the exercises.

Free Arc provided by netgalley

[Charise Jewell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much banter/filler, and not particularly useful if you already know CBT.

[Hunty · Rating 5 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK. I’m so glad to have found this audiobook. A lot of the tricks here are new that I’d like to try!