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“I've wrestled with misophonia since at least early adolescence, but I cannot remember when it started. It was the worst as an adolescent, since I often couldn't control where I was. I didn’t have the freedom to simply leave/avoid triggers like I do as an adult.

That said, the incident that drove home to me just how impactful the condition was happened when I was attending training for work. In my job, they'll often send us to training for weeks at a time - spending most of the day in a classroom setting, with occasional hands-on experience. In 2023, I was in a three-week course, and I just so happened to be seated next to someone that ate seemingly nonstop, all day, every day for three weeks - and ate loudly.

When really triggered, I'll push my fingers against my ears as hard as I can, to the point it hurts. An instructor noticed me doing this after a couple days and spoke to me after class. I explained everything to her in private, and I was fortunate that she was sympathetic.

I can't remember if I suggested the solution or if she did, but she agreed to an accommodation where she and the other instructor would wear microphones that I could listen to with a pair of headphones. It can't be overstated how much of a relief this was, and how grateful I was.

It was around this time that I truly realized just how debilitating the condition could be for people in certain environments, and how important awareness, understanding, and accommodation are for people with misophonia.”

We thank Cameron for sharing his misophonia story! Do you want to share your #MisophoniaStory? Share your story with us here.