INTERNATIONAL MISOPHONIA FOUNDATION · MISOPHONIA MATTERS MAY
May 20 · Every year
Misophonia
Day
A dedicated day during Misophonia Matters May for public education, practical accessibility conversations and sharing reliable information about misophonia.
MAY
Why May 20?
Twenty hertz (20 Hz) is approximately the lower edge of the frequency range audible to many young people with typical hearing. May 20 uses that number as a memorable connection to the science of sound—not as a claim about the cause, diagnosis or sound frequencies involved in misophonia.
Misophonia involves decreased tolerance to particular sounds or associated cues. Reactions cannot be explained simply by how loud a sound is.
Sources: Health Canada: Noise and Sound; Swedo et al. (2022), consensus definition of misophonia.
May 20
A symbolic sound-related date, not a diagnostic or medical measurement.
Ways to participate
Individuals, families, educators, workplaces, healthcare providers and community organizations can participate without registration or affiliation.
Read and share a misophonia explainer
Use a public-friendly guide to explain triggers, reactions and the effects misophonia can have on everyday activities.
Discuss accessibility
Identify specific barriers in schools, workplaces, healthcare settings or technology and discuss practical adjustments with the people affected.
Share research information
Help people understand what research participation involves, including consent, eligibility and privacy.
Use an awareness ribbon or graphic
Share campaign artwork alongside accurate information and a link to an educational resource. You do not need to disclose your own experience.
Free educational materials
- Understanding Misophonia
- Misophonia Accessibility Guide
- Research Participation Guide
- IMF free resource library
- Misophonia Research portal
Misophonia Matters May
Misophonia Day is part of the IMF’s annual May awareness activities. Past educational content can be shared during May and throughout the year.
Explore the Misophonia Awareness Campaign
May 20 is an IMF-organized awareness observance. It is not presented as a United Nations observance or a replacement for the separately organized July 9 World Misophonia Awareness Day. Content is for education, not diagnosis or individual treatment advice.
Misophonia Awareness resources
Misophonia Awareness Ribbon
Download the original plain and lettered ribbons or share the campaign artwork directly.
Misophonia Matters May
Explore the IMF’s annual May awareness initiative, public education resources and the May 20 observance.
