Supporting Students with Misophonia through a 504 Plan: What You Need to Know

A 504 Plan is a tool designed to ensure that students with disabilities have equitable access to learning in the general education classroom. Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, students with disabilities must be provided accommodations that allow them to learn and participate alongside their peers. This includes students with misophonia, a condition characterized by extreme sensitivity to certain sounds. With appropriate accommodations, students with misophonia can thrive in a learning environment tailored to their needs.

One of the key benefits of a 504 Plan is that it can extend into post-secondary education. Universities and colleges often have disability services that can help students transition their 504 Plan into the accommodations they’ll need at the university level, ensuring continued support through higher education.

How to Obtain a 504 Plan for Students with Misophonia

To obtain a 504 Plan, the school will conduct a formal evaluation and create a written 504 plan. A diagnosis of misophonia can be an important part of this process, providing a clear basis for why accommodations are necessary. The letter should include the diagnosis of misophonia, a description of misophonia, and suggestions for possible accommodations. I’ve personally written numerous letters on behalf of my patients, and most schools have been receptive to the recommended accommodations. It’s important to provide as much relevant information as possible, to ensure that the school understands both the condition and the needs of the student.

To request a 504 plan, you can email or provide a letter to the school principal, teacher, and special education staff as its best done in writing. It can be brief, and can include something like,

“I am writing to formally request a meeting to create a 504 plan for my child, (child’s name) who has misophonia. She will need accommodations to help her learn like her peers. Enclosed you will find documentation of my child’s condition from (his/her/their) audiologist, including information on how severe misophonia is, how it can impact learning, and possible accommodations to help him/her/them learn at their best. Please let me know the earliest meeting times and dates that all the necessary school personnel can attend. I look forward to hearing from you in the next week about this meeting request.”

From there you can attach documentation such as a letter from your primary doctor, audiologist, psychologist, psychiatrist, occupational therapist, or other specialists.

Example Accommodations

Here are some example accommodations that my patients have used in middle school and high school:

Preferential seating away from triggers.
Using sound generators or personal headphones with noise generating apps in the classroom to help self-regulate.
Take breaks in an alternate trigger free location as needed and will be provided a permanent laminated hall pass.
Use a trigger free environment and use sound generators, headphones, and/or earplugs when taking tests.
Be able to digitally record lectures if unable to attend class due to triggers.

As an audiologist or other health care professional, you play a crucial role in advocating for students with misophonia. By offering support, you can empower your patients to overcome challenges and reach their full potential in the classroom.

If you are a parent and are looking for resources to help your child with misophonia, please reach out and we can help in any way we can, including writing a letter of support after diagnosis.

Dr. Jon Douglas

Dr. Jon Douglas specializes in tinnitus, hyperacusis & misophonia management, hearing aid technology, and vestibular evaluations. With over 19 years of academic and clinical experience, Dr. Douglas is deeply committed to providing evidence-based audiological care that improves the lives of patients affected by hearing, balance, and sound sensitivity disorders.

Tagged Annoyance Hyperacusis, Hyperacusis, Misophonia, Sound Tolerance