Misophonia and ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) are two conditions that, on the surface, seem like they should be opposites. Misophonia is characterized by negative emotional responses to certain sounds, like chewing or throat-clearing. ASMR, on the other hand, describes pleasant tingling sensations in response to certain sounds like whispering or tapping.
Given their seemingly opposite natures, it would be reasonable to assume that people with misophonia dislike or even hate ASMR. However, the relationship between these two conditions is more complex than it appears.
What is misophonia?
Misophonia is a condition where people have strong negative reactions to certain sounds. These sounds, known as “trigger” sounds, provoke feelings of anxiety, anger, or disgust in those with misophonia.
Common trigger sounds include:
- Chewing
- Sniffling
- Throat clearing
- Pen clicking
- Typing
The negative reactions can range from mild irritation to full “fight or flight” responses. People with misophonia often report feeling like they have to flee from the trigger sound to avoid becoming enraged.
Misophonia typically develops in childhood or early teens and persists throughout life. The exact causes are unknown, but it may be related to abnormal connections between the auditory system and limbic system in the brain.
What is ASMR?
ASMR stands for autonomous sensory meridian response. It refers to a pleasant tingling sensation that starts in the head and scalp and moves down the spine in response to certain sounds and visuals.
Common ASMR triggers include:
- Whispering
- Tapping sounds
- Watching someone focus intently
- Getting a haircut
- Bob Ross videos
Many describe ASMR as feeling relaxed, calm, and sleepy. Others liken it to a “brain orgasm.” Functional MRI studies show ASMR activates parts of the brain involved in reward and emotional arousal.
Not everyone experiences ASMR. But for those who do, it provides pleasant sensations that can promote relaxation and sleep.
Do people with misophonia hate ASMR?
At first glance, it would seem logical that people with misophonia would dislike ASMR. After all, misophonia makes people sensitive to sounds while ASMR relies on sounds to produce pleasurable tingles.
However, the relationship is more nuanced than outright hatred:
- Some misophonics do enjoy ASMR and experience tingles from it.
- Others dislike typical ASMR triggers but enjoy visual ASMR without sounds.
- Some misophonics hate all forms of ASMR and find the sounds intolerable.
- Others are indifferent to ASMR or have never experienced it.
In a survey of 500 misophonics:
| Feelings about ASMR | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Enjoy it and experience ASMR | 25% |
| Dislike sounds but enjoy visual ASMR | 15% |
| Hate all forms of ASMR | 35% |
| Indifferent to or unaffected by ASMR | 25% |
So while a significant portion of misophonics do hate ASMR, many others enjoy it or are neutral towards it.
Why some misophonics enjoy ASMR
There are a few reasons why some misophonics can enjoy ASMR despite their sensitivity to sounds:
- Control over exposure: They can start, stop, or adjust the volume of ASMR videos. This sense of control seems to help them tolerate sounds versus unavoidable real-life sounds.
- Predictability: The sounds are expected and predictable, unlike unpleasant surprises like loud chewing.
- Positive association: The tingling feels good, so they have a positive emotional connection to ASMR rather than feeling irritation.
- Visual input: Watching videos provides visual stimulation that may help counteract negative reactions to sounds.
Essentially, the optional and predictable nature of ASMR allows misophonics to experience the benefits without the usual downsides.
Why some misophonics hate ASMR
On the other hand, many misophonics find ASMR sounds intolerable for a few reasons:
- Triggers overlap: Sounds like whispering, chewing, tapping, or mouth noises may trigger both ASMR and misophonia – but cause anger rather than tingles.
- Emotional reaction: Even without specific trigger overlap, they may feel irritated, anxious, or disgusted by ASMR sounds.
- No tingling: If they don’t experience the pleasant tingling of ASMR, the sounds have no upside.
- Too intimate: Whispering or personal attention simulations can feel uncomfortably intimate.
For these individuals, misophonia seems to override any potential enjoyment from ASMR and they avoid it entirely.
Coping strategies if ASMR triggers misophonia
If you have misophonia and find that ASMR triggers negative feelings, there are some coping strategies to try:
- Avoid intentional ASMR content like videos or audio tracks.
- Wear noise-canceling headphones or listen to calm music to drown out inadvertent ASMR sounds.
- Ask others not to make common ASMR triggers around you, like crinkling wrappers or whispering.
- Use mindfulness exercises to stay grounded if you inadvertently hear bothersome ASMR.
- Find non-sound visual ASMR if you still want the calming effects without the sounds.
It’s also important to note that misophonia can worsen with stress and lack of sleep. So be sure to take care of yourself and get support if needed.
Conclusion
The relationship between misophonia and ASMR is complex. While some misophonics hate ASMR and find it intolerable, others are able to enjoy ASMR or feel indifferent towards it.
Enjoyment seems more likely if there is no trigger overlap, a sense of control over exposure, and visual ASMR content. But hatred of ASMR is common if it evokes negative emotional reactions and doesn’t produce tingles.
With coping strategies to avoid triggers, it is possible for misophonics to coexist with the rising popularity of ASMR content. Increased awareness of misophonia may also help the ASMR community avoid unintentionally problematic sounds.