Misophonia, often misunderstood or overlooked, is a neurophysiological disorder where specific sounds provoke intense emotional and physiological responses. The term was first introduced by audiologists Margaret and Pawel Jastreboff in 2001. Through their work, they noticed that some individuals reacted strongly to everyday sounds—such as chewing, tapping, or typing—triggering reactions far beyond annoyance or discomfort. They proposed that misophonia involved heightened arousal of the autonomic nervous system, sparking a “fight-or-flight” response. Unlike those with hyperacusis, who hear sounds more loudly, people with misophonia respond to repetitive, pattern-based sounds with severe irritation and anxiety.
Our Mission
The International Misophonia Foundation is dedicated to serving the needs of individuals and families impacted by Misophonia through increasing ethical, accurate, and educational resources for researchers, institutions, policy makers, and individuals and families impacted by Misophonia. The International Misophonia Foundation seeks to increase the development of research that respects the needs and dignity of those suffering with Misophonia by facilitating and publishing original research as well as offering institutions and individuals researchers consultation services, publication assistance, funding opportunities, and ethical oversight. The International Misophonia Foundation also seeks to increase awareness and understanding of Misophonia through providing resources to educate sufferers, researchers, clinicians, and the public about how this disorder effects individuals and families as well as best practices for increasing inclusion of individuals and families living with Misophonia.
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Every tax-deductible donation helps us with our mission goals of research, education, and awareness for misophonia. As a volunteer-run organization, we can’t do this without your generous support.
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Find a Clinician for Misophonia
The IMF offers a clinician provider directory free of charge.
Free Guides
Free printable guides on misophonia. Feel free to distribute these as long as they are not edited/changed.
