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The amazing science of sound

Sound is absolutely fascinating. Our brains process sound via our ears and our auditory system sets to work! Here are three amazing facts about sound: 

  • Our brains pick up sounds when we are asleep.  

A new study has shown that our brains respond to sound when we sleep, just as well as they do when we are awake. The main difference is the brain doesn’t focus on sound the same way as it does when we are awake.[1]  

  • When we process sound, our auditory system interprets it and applies meaning to it.  

Our brains continually store information about the emotional meaning of sounds and then it draws upon our memories and helps to process the sound.[2] This informs how we respond by letting us know whether a sound might be, say, strange, exciting, relaxing or threatening.  

  • We process our voice internally 

When we hear ourselves talk on a video, we often don’t like the sound of our own voices. This is because when we talk, we process our own voice internally. Our voice sound passes through our ear bones, and the bones lower the pitch. However, when we are recorded, we hear the external version of our voice, which is what others hear. So, when you hear your voice back, it lacks the deeper tone provided by the bone and it sounds much higher.[3] 

That’s why people tell you that you sound like that all the time! 

References:

[1] Hayat, H., Marmelshtein, A., Krom, A.J. et al. Author Correction: Reduced neural feedback signaling despite robust neuron and gamma auditory responses during human sleep. Nat Neurosci 25, 1113 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-022-01137-y 

[2]  Rettner. R. (2010) Brain's Link Between Sounds, Smells and Memory Revealed. Live Science. Available online at: Brain's Link Between Sounds, Smells and Memory Revealed | Live Science  

[3] Runwal. R. (2019). Why our recorded voice sounds different when we hear it. Grayspark Audio. Available online at: Real Reasons Why Our Recorded Voice Sounds Different (gray-spark.com)