I have often wondered if I have misophonia, as certain sounds make me irrationally ratty.
Sniffing and gum-chewing are the worst but I also get angry with finger tapping and people who shout on their mobile phones.
My friends say it’s misanthropy rather than sound-sensitivity. But a study has revealed that a fifth of Brits now suffer from misophonia and feel anger, disgust or panic in extreme reactions to noise.
Oxford University experts say many get irritated by sounds like rustling or tea slurping. But misophonics sufferers can feel trapped and helpless as certain noises trigger their fight-or-flight response, and this can lead to depression, isolation and fear.
Psychologists say more research is needed to help the 18.4% severely impacted. Others may suffer to a lesser degree, depending on their triggers.
Millions of us were angered and disgusted by a dreadful whining noise coming from Westminster this week – the sound of Boris Johnson passing the buck for Partygate.
His testimony to the Commons Privileges Committee was a long list of lame excuses, a self-serving defence of the indefensible that moved from bluster and bombast to anger and affrontedness.
An interminable, hypocritical drone designed to justify boozy lockdown bashes and save his political skin. But as the former PM prattled on about drinkies boosting staff morale, the people who really suffered during Covid were clapping their hands to their ears in horror – and remembering the depression and helplessness they felt as the pandemic kept them isolated and terrified for the future.
Like Ruth Coward, 56, of Loughborough, who had to comfort her dying mum through a filthy care home window as Covid rules kept them apart.
Diane died in October 2021. “My mum gave up on life after being separated from us for months,” said Ruth.
“While they were having parties, I was standing outside in any weather.
“He admits he made the rules himself so it’s all slippery rhetoric. Even hearing his voice brings back all the hurt.”
Her anger and disgust is perfectly rational.
The families bereaved by Covid 19 deserved to hear the truth, not this painful Johnsonian waffle. And it sounds as if any clear apology will be a very long time coming.
