Something to chew over…

My wife has been close to attacking me at meal times recently due to the noises I make while eating. So it was interesting to learn (March, p17) that there is a name for her ‘affliction’ – misophonia.

So, in a similar vein to Helen Czerksi, I’ve been experimenting with certain foodstuffs to find out which cause the worst reactions. Loud foods like crisps surprisingly had no effect, yet eating chicken and the resulting ‘clicking’ noise between my teeth invoked a cataclysmic reaction. I would love to understand more about the science behind what causes the noises, why it makes my wife want to kill me and what foods should be avoided. Hopefully you can help save my marriage! Paul Mellor, St Albans

Misophones have their own unique triggers. For some it’s crunchy crisps, others slurpy milkshakes. The noises are largely down to someone’s mouth and tooth shape and chewing action, so short of chomping more softly there’s not much you can do. Scientists are yet to come up with an effective treatment, so in the meantime I suggest you invest in some ear defenders and keep your wife away from the steak knives! – Jason Goodyer, commissioning editor