Crunch, Slurp, Panic?

What it’s like to have misophonia and to notice the little sounds that sneak up on you

I never thought soup, pasta, or cereal could start a small internal meltdown, but they do. I have always been sensitive to certain sounds, and somehow everyday meals turn into a full-on audio experience. The slurps, the crunches, the tiny little noises that most people barely notice instantly grab my attention and sometimes my entire nervous system. It can feel dramatic, but it is also deeply human and strangely fascinating.

This sensitivity has followed me for years. I remember taking my very first exam in grad school at Northwestern. My anxiety and nerves were already sky-high. In the middle of the test, I suddenly heard loud crunching. I looked behind me and saw one of my classmates happily eating carrots. My chest tightened. My focus wavered. The sound was so intrusive that I could hardly believe it was coming from something as innocent as carrots. Thankfully, other classmates were just as annoyed and the person eating carrots was asked to stop. I felt a small wave of relief and a tiny bit of camaraderie with everyone else quietly wishing for silence.

I have always known that loud crunching can trigger me too. I notice it when I eat crunchy foods myself. If I am with others, I often say something like, “I hope this crunching is not bothering you,” all while silently judging my own volume. Eating crunchy foods around others can feel like a covert operation. I am hyper-aware of every snap, crackle, and pop.

This curiosity led me to ask why people slurp their foods and beverages in the first place.

There are actually a few reasons. Slurping can aerate food or drink, bringing in air that enhances flavor. It can also cool hot liquids as they enter the mouth. Some people simply grew up in homes where slurping was normal. Others come from cultures where slurping is considered polite or even a sign of enjoyment. And for many people, these sounds are just part of eating and nothing more.

Even knowing all this, my reaction remains. That reaction has a name. It is called misophonia. It is not a formal DSM diagnosis but it is widely recognized. Certain sounds such as chewing, crunching, and slurping can trigger a strong emotional or physiological response, even when the sound is harmless. It is not about judgment. It is just how the nervous system reacts.

I sometimes catch myself tensing at the first bite, and then I pause and think, this is just a sound. I let myself breathe, refocus, and keep eating. I notice my reactions, honor them, and remind myself that the sounds are not a threat. They are just part of the world around me.

Have you ever noticed yourself reacting strongly to everyday sounds? I would love for you to pause and notice what comes up for you.

Misophonia is more common than many people realize, and it does not make you “too sensitive” or “difficult.” It is a window into how our bodies and brains interact with the world, a chance to be curious about ourselves, and an opportunity to approach others’ habits with humor and compassion.