Acouophonia

/ˌækuːəˈfoʊniə/ noun

Definition

A condition or disturbance in hearing characterized by unpleasant or discordant sounds; auditory discomfort.

Etymology

From Greek akoustikos (hearing) plus phonia (sound). A medical term from the 19th century describing subjective auditory disturbances.

Kelly Says

Acouophonia describes that awful sensation when sounds that should be pleasant suddenly feel like nails on a chalkboard—it's related to a condition called misophonia where certain sounds trigger intense emotional reactions.

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