In this case, the triggers are (primarily) auditory. One study found a higher-than-average percentage of people who experienced ASMR also had synesthesia, and other research has linked synesthesia with misophonia.īoth misophonia and ASMR also involve triggers, something that sets off the brain’s response. Synesthetes might see a particular color when someone says the word ‘dog’, or get a certain taste in their mouth when they hear violin music. First, both are potentially tied to a condition known as synesthesia, a mingling of the senses. Misophonia and ASMR have two important things in common.
Though there is not much scientific research behind either misophonia or ASMR, one recent study surveying more than 300 misophonics found that half of them also experienced ASMR, perhaps suggesting some people are more attuned to sound-both the good and the bad. On the opposite end of the spectrum is a phenomenon known as autonomous sensory meridian response, or ASMR, where sound can create an almost euphoric feeling of relaxation (yes, involving head tingles).
Misophonia is a little-understood condition that involves extreme aversion to certain sounds. Yet, some city sounds-like construction noise-have a decidedly less positive effect, making you cringe or reflexively put earbuds in.īut has a sound ever made you enraged or panic-stricken? Or, has a sound ever made your head tingle in a relaxing way? You might even like the grind and whirl of the espresso machine at your favorite coffee shop. You probably enjoy sitting by a window, listening to rain pitter-patter on the glass. If you live in Seattle, there are certain sounds you’re familiar with.