# When sounds are unbearable: Understanding misophonia, with Heather Hansen, PhD

An episode of [Speaking of Psychology](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/705934263), 19 Nov 2025, 37 min.

Audio: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/AMERICANPSYCHOLOGICALASSOCIATION5820172128.mp3?updated=1763060441

For people with misophonia, certain sounds – like chewing, coughing or pen clicking – can trigger strong emotional reactions including anxiety, disgust and rage. Heather Hansen, PhD, director of the Misophonia Research Network, talks about scientists’ evolving understanding of misophonia; what’s happening in the brain when someone hears a trigger sound; whether misophonia is related to other mental health conditions; and advice for those living with misophonia and their friends and family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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