Prevalence of Misophonia in General Population and those with Complaints of Tinnitus: An Epidemiological Study

Abstract

Misophonia, characterized by heightened sensitivity to specific sounds, has emerged as a significant auditory and psychological condition impacting quality of life. This study investigated the prevalence of misophonia in the general population and individuals with tinnitus, exploring demographic influences and coexisting factors. Employing a cross-sectional design, the study surveyed 10,000 participants with normal hearing and 500 individuals with tinnitus, utilizing validated tools such as the Amsterdam Misophonia Questionnaire (A-MISO-S) and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). The findings revealed a 26% prevalence of misophonia among the general population, with 17% prevalence among tinnitus patients. Notably, females exhibited higher prevalence rates across both groups, and urban residents were more likely to report misophonia symptoms compared to their rural counterparts. Additionally, individuals with higher educational attainment showed greater awareness of misophonia symptoms.The study highlighted significant differences in the severity of misophonia between normal hearing and tinnitus groups. Among the general population, 66% of individuals experienced mild symptoms, while 33% of tinnitus patients reported severe symptoms, suggesting that misophonia’s coexistence with tinnitus exacerbates its impact. The shared neurophysiological pathways of these conditions, involving the limbic and autonomic nervous systems, likely contribute to this compounding effect. Gender differences were also evident, with females demonstrating higher sensitivity to auditory triggers, potentially due to hormonal and psychological factors. The influence of urbanization on misophonia prevalence underscores the role of environmental triggers, while higher educational levels may enhance symptom recognition and reporting.The coexistence of misophonia and tinnitus poses unique challenges for affected individuals, amplifying emotional distress and reducing quality of life. Both conditions are associated with increased levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, necessitating a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to management. Routine screening for misophonia in tinnitus patients is essential for early identification and intervention. Potential therapeutic strategies include cognitive-behavioral therapy, sound therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions tailored to address the specific needs of individuals with coexisting conditions. Despite its strengths, the study has limitations, including the cross-sectional design, which restricts causal inferences, and the reliance on self-reported data, which may introduce response biases. Future longitudinal studies are recommended to explore the temporal relationship between misophonia and tinnitus and to investigate the genetic and cultural factors influencing prevalence rates. Expanding the study to include younger and older populations could provide a more comprehensive understanding of misophonia’s prevalence across age groups. In conclusion, this study underscores the high prevalence of misophonia in both the general population and tinnitus patients, emphasizing the need for increased awareness, targeted interventions, and further research. Clinicians should consider integrating routine screening and multidisciplinary management approaches to improve outcomes for individuals affected by misophonia and its coexisting conditions. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and demographic influences on misophonia prevalence can inform the development of evidence-based therapeutic strategies, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for those affected.