Misophonia (Noise Sensitivity)

Not Routinely Funded

Treatment for Misophonia is a low priority treatment and will only be commissioned by Norfolk & Suffolk ICB on an exceptional case basis.

Misophonia is a subsection of Hyperacusis, also known as Noise Sensitivity. It is recognised as ‘a hearing disorder that affects how the brain processes sound’. Other types of hearing sensitivity include:

• Some sounds making you feel angry [Misophonia]
• Some sounds making you anxious [Phonophobia]
• Your ears having trouble adjusting between quiet and loud sounds [Recruitment]

The British Medical Association [BMA] does not currently recognise Misophonia as a medical condition and there is limited evidence of the clinical effectiveness of treatment. Neither the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [DSM] or the International Classification of Diseases [ICD-11] currently recognise Misophonia. There is no NICE recommended or evidence-based treatments for misophonia.

The NHS website (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hyperacusis/) notes that the cause of hyperacusis is unclear but that it can be found alongside other conditions such as:

• Tinnitus
• Head injury
• Ménière’s disease
• Bell’s palsy
• Migraines
• Williams syndrome
• Autism
• Resulting from an ear infection

If hyperacusis is caused by another condition, such as migraines or Lyme disease, treating the condition may help to stop the hyperacusis. Talking therapies are not able to offer therapy that directly addresses/manages the symptoms of Misophonia, however can offer support where there is co-occurring anxiety or depression needs in line with locally commissioned services

Cases for Individual Consideration  

On a case to case basis, patients might be eligible for intervention, in consideration of their exceptionality. The requesting clinician must provide information to support the case for being considered an exception, by submitting an individual funding request form located via https://nwknowledgenow.nhs.uk/