Misophonia Giving Smarter Guide

While many people find certain sounds irritating, people with misophonia experience an intense physical and emotional response when they hear specific trigger sounds. For these individuals, sounds like chewing or sniffling can induce sweating, elevated heart rate, and activation of a stress response. People affected by misophonia may feel intense anxiety, anger, or the desire to flee—making everyday activities a challenge.

In 2019, SPARC published a Giving Smarter Guide to provide an overview of misophonia research and create a road map for more effective philanthropic investment. Misophonia: A Giving Smarter Guide encourages funding that cuts across multiple disciplines, enhances data sharing, and promotes research through mentorship. Key avenues where philanthropic capital could have an outsized impact on the field include:

• supporting fundamental studies and research focused on diagnostics
• funding clinical trials
• supporting greater collaboration and interdisciplinary research