Prevalence of misophonia in a tertiary healthcare hospital in Mumbai with Marathi translated Amsterdam misophonia scale A-MISO-S

Abstract Purpose Misophonia is a condition characterized by strong emotional reactions to specific sounds, often leading to distress. This study aims to translate and validate the Amsterdam Misophonia Questionnaire (A-MISO-S) into Marathi, a widely spoken Indian language, to facilitate better diagnosis and understanding of misophonia among Marathi-speaking populations. Method The translation process followed the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) guidelines, involving forward and backward translations by proficient Marathi and English speakers, followed by a review by audiologists for face validity. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 227 individuals, excluding those with hearing or psychological issues. Randomly selected thirty participants with equal competence in English and Marathi were asked to retake the evaluation after 2 weeks in both languages. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used for analysis. The factor analysis, test-retest reliability and concurrent validity were assessed. Results The translated questionnaire showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.82). It also demonstrated good test-retest reliability and internal structure. Among participants, 11% exhibited moderate to severe misophonic symptoms. A significant gender difference was found, with females more likely to experience misophonia ( p = 0.03), but no significant association with age was observed. Conclusion The Marathi version of the A-MISO-S can be used in clinical settings for diagnosing misophonia, with 11% of the population showing moderate to severe symptoms. The findings highlight the need for increased awareness and treatment options for misophonia, particularly in India, where there is limited epidemiological data. Future research should explore factors contributing to misophonia, including its complex relationship with gender and other psychological factors.