I hear you.

An Australian Misophonia Support Network.

Our story: what led me here.

My name is Janine. I’m a celebrant, former pastor, country girl at heart, and a mum to three teenage boys. My life is rarely quiet or predictable.

For 12 years my family and I lived on a farm while I worked in ministry, surrounded by beautiful landscapes, animals, dust and the (beautiful) chaos of raising boys in the country. But behind the scenes, our family was navigating something we couldn’t yet understand. My youngest son, Nate, had developed misophonia.

Ironically, one of his biggest triggers became my voice; which as a mum and someone who literally talks for a living, has definitely created some heart-breaking and emotionally exhausting moments over the years.
Added to that, living rurally would sometimes feel incredibly isolating - so when we moved to the city, I honestly thought support and understanding would be easier to find. Instead, I only learned more about just how many families were silently struggling with the disorder, and just how little connection there was for people in Australia who live with misophonia.
So I kept researching. I asked more questions. I chased answers, and like any good mum does for their child; I refused to give up.
I soon discovered American organisation SoQuiet, and other incredible initiatives around the world. I developed a craving to see more of that here on Australian soil.
So here we are - this dream has turned into ‘I Hear You’, an Australian Misophonia Support Network. We are a not-for-profit organisation built out of our own first-hand experience, devastation, determination, tears, late-night googling and far, far too much coffee.
At the crux of it all, I am really just a mum who knows what it feels like to search for support and not find what I was hoping for. And if you’re navigating misophonia too; I hear you.

If you are unable listen to the video, you can download the transcript here.

We’re here to help you thrive living with Misophonia.

After years of our personal journey with Misophonia, I Hear You was founded to raise awareness about Misophonia & provide accessible education, resources and support for the wellbeing of individuals, families and friends affected by Misophonia. This is a space where individuals can feel heard, empowered, and most importantly - not alone.

So what is Misophonia?

Misophonia is a neurological and sensory disorder that causes strong emotional and physical reactions to specific sounds (or triggers). This can include, but is not limited to, breathing noises, chewing, and tapping sounds. When a person has Misphonia and hears sounds that are sensitive to them - it can cause panic or rage episodes, and/or a ‘fight or flight’ response. An ordinary moment can suddenly become overwhelming or distressing. At worst, it can be disabling to a person’s everyday life.

Misophonia is a complex condition, and one that is highly misunderstood - especially here in Australia.

Misphonia often develops in childhood, and can show up in different ways, including: