Chicago hosts first-ever conference on misophonia — a little

CHICAGO - A little-known but deeply disruptive condition is getting its moment in the spotlight in Chicago.

A groundbreaking new conference will bring together scientists, doctors, and those personally affected by misophonia, a disorder where everyday sounds can trigger extreme emotional reactions.

What we know:

One in five adults suffer from misophonia. It usually shows up in childhood, but it's usually misinterpreted as a personality trait and not a medical disorder. It's a rare condition where common sounds can cause a variety of triggers.

The Misophonia Research Fund is a Chicago-based nonprofit, founded by Steve and Diane Miller in 2018 afte r their daughter started experiencing a serious reaction to chewing sounds.

It’s a sound the average person might hear every day — chewi