Living with Misophonia: Why It’s More Than Just “Being Annoyed” by Sounds

If you’re reading this, you probably already know that misophonia isn’t about being annoyed by chewing.

It’s about feeling like your nervous system is under attack — in your own home, at the dinner table, even in moments that are supposed to feel safe.

Most people don’t get that. They think it’s a quirk, or a bad mood, or something you can just breathe through. But if you have misophonia, you know it’s not like that. You know how fast the reaction hits. You know the mix of rage, panic, disgust, shame. You know the spirals — the tension, the guilt, the avoidance. You know what it’s like to feel like something is broken in you.

You are not broken.

Misophonia isn’t a character flaw. It’s not a choice. And it’s not your fault.

But here’s something else that matters: there’s a way forward.

Not a cure. Not a quick fix. But a process. A way of understanding what’s actually happening in your brain and body. A way of working with your nervous system, not against it. A way to stop living in fear of the next sound — and start reclaiming your space, your calm, and your self-respect.

In my therapy work, I’ve developed a treatment model called EASE. It stands for:

• Experiential – leaning into and understanding what’s actually happening in your body and mind

• Acceptance – loosening the fight against what’s happening, without collapsing into it

• Stimulus Engagement – building a new, more flexible relationship to the things that trigger you

This process isn’t about being passive. It’s about learning how to live from the inside out — with more clarity, more flexibility, and more choice.

If you’re reading this and you’ve been suffering quietly, I want you to know: you’re not alone, and you’re not crazy. Misophonia is real. The pain is real. And so is the hope.

There’s a path toward something better — even if you’ve never known what “better” feels like.

If you're ready to take the next step, I’m here. My team and I specialize in treating misophonia, OCD, and related conditions. And whether you’re seeking therapy, education, or just validation — you’re in the right place.

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Dr. Ezra Cowan