Have you ever felt sudden anger just from hearing someone chew, sniff, or tap their pen? You’re not alone — and it’s not “just being sensitive.”

Experts say one in five adults may quietly live with a condition called misophonia — often described as “sound rage.” Simple noises like breathing, eating, or coughing can trigger intense emotional reactions. “You’re basically telling someone, ‘The sound of you living repulses me,’” explained psychologist Dr. Jane Gregory from Oxford. “It’s hard to find a polite way to say that.”

For some, it’s more than irritation — it’s panic, disgust, or even a fight-or-flight response. They may avoid dinners, social events, or relationships entirely, fearing a trigger they can’t control. “I know it sounds small,” one sufferer said, “but hearing someone chew feels like being trapped.”

Researchers believe misophonia is a real brain-based disorder, affecting how people process certain sounds. Yet only 14% of people even know it exists.

So the next time someone flinches at a small sound, pause before judging. Behind that reaction might be a heart quietly breaking from the noise — and a person desperate for peace in a world that never seems to quiet down.