Phonophobia

A fear of sound, or specific sounds. Phonophobia can be defined as abnormally strong reactions of the autonomic and limbic systems resulting from enhanced connections between the auditory and limbic systems, but do not involve a significant activation of the auditory system. The strength of the person’s reaction is only partially determined by the physical characteristics of the upsetting sound and is dependent as well on the person’s previous evaluation and recollection of the sound (e.g., sound as a potential threat, and/or the belief that the sound can be harmful), the person’s psychological profile and the context in which the sound is presented. (See also Misophonia.)