Sensory processing differences in misophonia: Assessing sensory sensitivities beyond auditory triggers

Misophonia is characterized by decreased tolerance to specific sounds, often evoking intense emotional responses. While typically conceptualized as a sensitivity to auditory triggers, emerging evidence suggests that individuals with misophonia may also experience broader sensory processing differences. This study examined sensory profiles in adults with clinically significant misophonia (n = 60) compared to age and gender matched controls, who did not possess measurable misophonia traits (n = 60). Participants completed standardized measures of sensory processing and misophonia severity. Compared to controls, individuals with misophonia reported significantly greater sensory sensitivity and avoidance, and lower sensory seeking. No group difference was observed for low sensory registration, a pattern of sensory processing characterized by reduced awareness or response to sensory input. Within the misophonia group, 80 % endorsed sensitivity in at least one non-auditory sensory domain-most commonly tactile and olfactory. However, impairment related to these sensitivities was generally low. Misophonia severity was positively associated with sensory sensitivity, avoidance, and impairment related to olfactory and gustatory input. Similar patterns were observed in non-clinical individuals with subthreshold symptoms. These findings suggest that while misophonia may involve broader sensory sensitivity, it is the misophonia-specific auditory sensitivity that remains central to the disorder's functional impact.