University of Queensland Masters of Audiology student Ben Lamberton, who has lived experience with misophonia, relays his journey for the second World Misophonia Awareness Day (9 July 2026).
BY BEN LAMBERTON
I first noticed what I would come to understand to be misophonia just before my teenage years. A beloved family member developed chronic asthma, and I began to find the coughing aggravating; the seemingly normal sounds caused a strange inner turmoil that would manifest as distress, and at times, even rage.
This ultimately began to place a strain on close relationships.
I was torn between wanting to be supportive of my family member who was sick, and the distress I experienced from auditory triggers, which led to shame and distrust of myself.
I understood that the sounds were not inherently threatening, but my body was reacting as if they were, and the constant friction between mind and body left me in a confused, hypervigilant state.
Misophonia is a little-known but impactful condition that causes intense emotional and physiological reactions to auditory triggers.
For individuals with misophonia, everyday sounds such as chewing, coughing, pen clicking, or background mechanical noises can provoke strong reactions including anger, anxiety, and distress, alongside physical responses such as increased heart rate and muscle tension.
The condition can have profound effects on relationships, social participation, education, and employment. But the good news is support and treatment are available.
These challenges are still part of my life today, but I’ve developed strategies that help me manage my misophonia.
Knowing when to step away from an overwhelming situation, taking time to reset and using noise-cancelling headphones have all been effective in helping me manage my response to auditory triggers.
One of the most important parts of managing this condition is being honest with the people around me. If I don’t communicate openly, the impact can spill into other areas of relationships and create misunderstandings.
I’ve struggled with shame around this condition, but I’ve learned that vulnerability is essential to building meaningful relationships. Facing those conversations has been a key part of my journey.
My path to audiology was initially born from a love and curiosity of sound but is a subject I have begun to appreciate even more as I continue to deepen my knowledge of the way the body and mind interpret sound, informing my understanding of my own lived experiences.
Fellow UQ Masters of Audiology students Aleena Jose and Devika Vinod are also advocating for the importance of misophonia awareness and research.
They say raising awareness is critical as it reduces stigma and misconceptions related to misophonia and encourages greater accommodation.
This can improve the activity, participation, and overall quality of life of individuals living with misophonia, they add.
Both research and collaborative work advance our understanding about misophonia and promote early identification and appropriate professional care, they say.
World Misophonia Awareness Day
World Misophonia Day was first proposed in November 2024 by SoQuiet Misophonia, in collaboration with global organisations, clinicians, and lived-experience advocates.
The date – 9 July – was chosen in memory of Michelle Del Valle, a young woman who bravely lived with misophonia from the age of 13. She tragically lost her life to suicide at just 17 – a devastating reminder of the urgent need for awareness, validation, and support for those with this condition.
soQuite Misophonia has a free one-hour online course for clinicians which teaches medical professionals the basics about misophonia.
Duke University School of Medicine has misophonia resources for clinicians.
The 8th International Conference on Hyperacusis and Misophonia will be in Hanover, Germany from 14-16 October 2026.
Two Melbourne audiologists who specialise in misophonia including research and treatment are Mini Gupta and Myriam Westcott.
Read more
Beyond the noise: Honouring lives and building hope on World Misophonia Day
Innovation with heart: Review of ACAud inc. HAASA’s record-breaking 2026 Congress
Call for audiologists and patients to join Hyperacusis Collaborative Research Network
