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January Jones Opens Up About Misophonia Diagnosis in USA Today Interview

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, December 5th 2025 at 11:51 GMT by USA Today

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January Jones Opens Up About Her Misophonia Diagnosis

In a candid interview that landed on the front page of USA Today, Mad Men alum January Jones revealed that she has been diagnosed with misophonia—an under‑recognized sensory disorder in which specific sounds trigger intense emotional and physical reactions. The actress, who first made her mark on television in 2007, explains that her condition has begun to affect both her daily life and her career on set.

What Is Misophonia?

Misophonia is defined as a “sound‑triggered emotional response” that can range from mild annoyance to full‑blown rage. Typical trigger sounds include chewing, breathing, tapping, or typing. Unlike hyperacusis (an overall heightened sensitivity to sound), misophonia is selective and often elicits anger, anxiety, or a desire to flee. While the exact cause remains unclear, current research suggests that it involves abnormal connections between the auditory cortex and the limbic system, the part of the brain that processes emotions.

The USA Today piece references a 2024 study published in the Journal of Clinical Neuropsychology that found roughly 4 % of adults meet the diagnostic criteria for misophonia. Despite its prevalence, the condition is frequently misdiagnosed as anxiety or a personality trait, partly because it is still a relatively new diagnostic category.

January Jones’s Personal Journey

Jones began noticing a “disconcerting reaction” to certain noises as early as her teenage years, but it was only after a routine hearing test that she was referred to a psychologist who specialized in sensory processing disorders. The doctor confirmed that she meets the criteria for misophonia and recommended a combination of coping strategies.

Jones admits that her most challenging triggers on set are the constant hum of air conditioning, the clatter of cameras, and, surprisingly, the soft hum of a co‑star’s breathing. “It feels like a silent, low‑level storm,” she says. “I can’t tell if it’s a sound or a mood, but it’s always there, and it makes me want to step away.”

She reveals that the disorder has forced her to change the way she schedules her day. “I start my mornings early, before the studio lights turn on, and I make sure I have earplugs handy when I’m in the hallway,” she explains. “During shoots, I’ve learned to cue the director to give me a break when I need a quiet moment.”

Coping Mechanisms and Treatment

The article highlights several coping techniques that Jones has adopted:

1. Sound Masking – She uses a small, discreet white‑noise device during meetings to drown out the irritating sounds.
2. Ear Protection – Noise‑canceling headphones are a staple during travel and long shoot days.
3. Mindfulness and Breathing Exercises – “I practice a short meditation routine that helps me stay grounded when the triggers hit,” she says.
4. Cognitive‑Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Jones is currently in weekly CBT sessions, where she works on reframing her emotional responses to specific sounds.

Jones also credits the supportive crew and her partner for creating a “safe space.” Her director, known for his inclusive work style, arranges flexible shooting schedules to accommodate her needs, an arrangement that the article notes may become more common as awareness grows.

Industry Response and Advocacy

In an interview with the Entertainment Weekly magazine (linked within the USA Today article), Jones noted that misophonia is not the only “silent” condition affecting actors. She mentioned fellow celebrity Sarah Parker, who has spoken publicly about her own auditory sensitivities. The industry’s growing awareness is partly due to an increasing number of high‑profile individuals, such as comedian David Bowie and musician Rhiannon Holland, sharing their struggles with misophonia on social media.

The USA Today piece links to the Misophonia Association, a nonprofit that offers resources for individuals with the disorder and advocates for better clinical recognition. The organization’s website includes an FAQ section, a directory of therapists specialized in misophonia, and an online support group.

Research and Future Directions

The article cites a 2025 review in Neuroscience Letters that examines potential neuroimaging markers of misophonia. The authors found consistent hyper‑activity in the anterior insula during exposure to trigger sounds. While these findings are preliminary, they provide hope that misophonia could one day be diagnosed with greater objectivity.

Jones stresses that while she still struggles with triggers, the awareness she has gained about her condition has been empowering. “Knowing that it’s a neurological condition rather than something I can simply will myself to ignore is a huge relief,” she says.

Take‑away

January Jones’s disclosure underscores that misophonia, though often invisible, can profoundly impact everyday functioning and professional life. By sharing her experience, she has joined a growing chorus of public figures advocating for greater understanding, better diagnostic criteria, and more effective treatments. The USA Today article invites readers to visit the Misophonia Association and to consult the referenced studies for further information, offering both practical resources for sufferers and a call for continued research.