Buzz
Certain sounds have the power to stir emotions within us. For example, the sound of a baby's laughter often evokes happiness, while a dog's bark may trigger feelings of fear. Some individuals take this concept further, using sound to intentionally alter their emotions or even manipulate others' feelings.
On YouTube, you'll find content labeled 'ASMR.' ASMR is a unique emotional response that some people experience when exposed to specific sound triggers. These videos can feature a wide range of noises, each with its own potential effect. Some may surprise you, while others may have no noticeable impact. Below are ten sounds people use to evoke emotions.
10. The Sound of Light Laughter
Have you ever heard of background laughter? Seinfeld wouldn’t be quite as amusing without it. TV shows often include laugh tracks when there’s no live audience present, encouraging viewers to laugh at the appropriate moments.
Laughter is a non-verbal way of expressing emotions, and the sounds we make when overwhelmed by strong feelings resemble animal calls more than human speech. These sounds come naturally to us (unlike words), and they are governed by an older brain system that controls vocalizations in mammals.
As a form of non-verbal communication, laughter is often connected to emotional responses. It's hard not to laugh when someone else does. This might be due to 'mirror neurons' in the brain, which activate both when performing a task and when observing someone else do the same. These neurons don't just apply to laughter; for instance, when we hear someone speak through tears, it’s hard not to feel sympathy.
9. Let the Rain Fall
A common sound used in ASMR videos is the sound of rain. Rain sounds can trigger strong emotional memories, both uplifting and melancholic. The gentle patter of rain might remind you of cozy days indoors, while thunderclaps could bring a sense of emotional release. Some people enjoy sitting by the window, listening to the rain as it falls.
While many find the sound of rain soothing, others react differently. A study suggests that over 9% of people are 'rain haters,' feeling angrier or more depressed when the weather is stormy. Dr. Tecsia Evans, a clinical psychologist, states that some individuals are more likely to experience loneliness or sadness during gloomy, rainy days. Have you ever felt this way?
8. The Sound of Mother Nature
The sounds we hear in nature often help us relax, and there's a scientific basis for this belief. According to Trever Cox, an acoustics professor at Salford University, these natural sounds are often tied to associations we've developed over time. For example, when birds stop chirping, we instinctively sense that something might be wrong.
In prehistoric times, the sounds of nature signaled the presence of essential resources such as water, food, and safety. Quiet, desolate areas, in contrast, often meant danger. These instinctive responses were crucial for survival. Wouldn’t you feel more secure hearing the chirping of birds, the buzzing of cicadas, and the flow of river water?
Natural sounds not only calm us but also create a sense of security. A 2017 study by Brighton and Sussex Medical School examined how participants reacted to both artificial and natural sounds while performing tasks that required focus.
When participants were exposed to natural sounds, their reaction times improved significantly. They experienced a reduction in the sympathetic nervous system's response (which triggers the body’s reaction to stress) and a boost in the parasympathetic system’s response (which aids in relaxation and normal bodily function).
7. The Power of a Whisper
Whispering might seem like an unusual choice for a sound that can influence emotions, but surprisingly, some people find it incredibly soothing. Does the soft quietness offer a respite from the chaos of the world, both real and digital? Or perhaps it’s the comforting familiarity of someone else’s voice?
Regardless of the reason, whispering is one of the most common triggers for ASMR. Some argue that its effects are similar to those of listening to calming music or natural sounds like flowing water or ocean waves. While many still question the legitimacy and effectiveness of whispering and ASMR overall, it is increasingly being used to help with conditions like insomnia and anxiety.
6. The Sound of Tapping
Just like whispers, tapping sounds can serve as powerful auditory triggers, provoking strong emotional and physical reactions, including the pleasurable ASMR sensation.
For some individuals, the experience isn’t always pleasant, especially for those dealing with misophonia, a condition where certain sounds trigger strong emotional or physiological reactions that may seem unreasonable at the time.
Have you ever reacted so strongly to a sound that you felt compelled to escape, block it out, or even lash out at someone making seemingly innocent noises like slurping, tapping, or humming? That’s the essence of misophonia. A simple tap, tick, or drip might be enough to set you off. Even something as benign as whistling could push you to the edge. As the song goes in Encanto, “Pressure like a drip, drip, drip, that’ll never stop.”
5. The Hum of White Noise
White noise is that constant ‘shhhh’ sound, akin to the gentle rush of a waterfall or the static on a television or radio. The term “white” doesn’t refer to the color, but rather to the fact that it’s a sound that blends seamlessly into the background, often unnoticed—until it disappears.
Depending on the person, white noise can either be incredibly soothing or utterly maddening.
These sounds are made up of frequencies that the human ear can detect, and it turns out they come with various health benefits. For example, white noise has been found to help babies drift off to sleep more quickly, as shown in a study published in the journal *Archives of Disease in Childhood*. It's also been found to assist people with tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
White noise can also help with sleep by masking other disruptive sounds. It blocks out noise pollution that might otherwise interrupt your rest, which can have negative effects on our biological systems. Not only can it help you fall asleep and stay asleep, but it might even train your brain to recognize when it’s time for bed. So, next time your TV antenna is broken, just leave it on for the static noise to soothe you to sleep—or if you’re not familiar with a TV antenna, you can always try a white noise app.
4. The Calm of Pink Noise
Pink noise functions similarly to white noise in that it blocks out distracting sounds, aiding in sleep. The key difference is that pink noise features deeper, lower frequencies, which gives it a more soothing and relaxing effect.
While white noise, like the sound of a fan or a vacuum, can be loud and high-pitched, pink noise is characterized by a steady, consistent frequency, similar to the gentle sound of rain, wind rustling through trees, or waves lapping at the shore. It produces a more balanced, even tone, with lower-frequency sounds that are easier on the ears, making it more calming overall.
Pink noise, much like white noise, may not work for everyone. The only way to find out if pink noise will be effective for you is to give it a try.
3. The Spark of Fireworks
There's no denying that fireworks captivate us—even though many have suffered injuries or burns while attempting to set them off in their backyards on the 4th of July. But it seems that the risk is part of the thrill. The excitement we feel from the sound of fireworks actually comes from the fear they induce. But why does that happen?
Fireworks activate the amygdala, a small region of the brain responsible for processing fear. This triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure. So how can something that scares us bring us joy? The fear triggered by fireworks is controlled, unlike sounds with unpredictable or sudden loudness.
However, not everyone enjoys the sound of fireworks. For those with PTSD, they can be overwhelming and may disrupt sleep, especially when they provoke long-lasting anxiety. The sleep disruption caused by fireworks can lead to feelings of tension, worry, or anger upon waking. There's nothing wrong with enjoying the crackle of a Roman Candle, just make sure you're in a place where you can handle it.
2. Grandma, Is That You?
It may sound cliché, but hearing the voices of your loved ones can have a profound impact on your mental well-being. If you haven't heard someone's voice in ages, it can evoke emotions—whether comforting or unsettling.
Listening to a recording of your late grandmother's voice from last year could bring back memories of her warm hugs or the scent of her homemade chocolate chip cookies. On the other hand, a voicemail from your unpredictable sister might trigger a whirlwind of emotions.
These sounds don’t have to be limited to recordings; they can also come from in-person experiences. You can find ASMR-like satisfaction by spending quality time with family, crafting memories you’ll laugh about and cherish forever. Even just recalling their voice can bring a sense of calm, especially in challenging times.
1. The Sound of Music
From the rhythmic drum beats of our ancestors to today’s endless streaming platforms, music has always been deeply woven into the fabric of human life. It has the power to uplift our spirits, boosting happiness while easing worry and anxiety.
Surprisingly, even listening to melancholy tunes can enhance your mood.
When people are mourning a loss, such as the end of a significant relationship, they often turn to somber music. Why? It serves as a stand-in for the emotional support we seek from a friend. Sometimes, when that friend isn’t available, a Taylor Swift album can do the trick. *Copium intensifies*.
It’s no mystery why people often find music to be so soothing. As we listen, our muscles relax, breathing slows down, and our stress levels decrease. So go ahead, crank up the volume and let loose—you’ll feel a lot better.
