How Does Sound Affect You?
It doesn't take much to realize that the brain is a complex structure in our body. It controls and regulates virtually everything we do — our vision (sight), taste, smell, touch, and how we respond to sound (hearing).
Speaking of hearing, sound has an impact on the brain. It triggers different activities in the brain that determines how we respond to stimulus.
Sudden sounds can trigger fear and cause you to freeze you in your tracks. Also, the sound of children's laughter can put a smile on your face. These are simple illustrations to show you how sound can affect your mood.
Sound and your Brain?
Science tells us that sound is a vibration, and it is transmitted to the brain as electrical signals. Sound signals get to the brain through the vestibulocochlear nerve — phew! That's quite a word.
Well, when your brain receives sound, which it understands as electrical signals, it instantly alerts you of the nature of the sound and how you should react to it. Sounds can affect your perception and state of mind.
The Healing Powers of Sounds
Have you ever wondered why the sound of the low rumble of a thunderstorm and rolling ocean waves make you feel sleepy? Fascinating right?
Researchers at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) have figured the answer to that question. They found that natural sounds affect the body functions of flight and fright. Their research also showed that natural sounds affect the resting activity of the brain.
Also, music alters both our physical and emotional responses. Here is how it happens. When you sing, your body release hormones called endorphins — popularly known as the "feel good" hormones.
Singing also induces the secretion of your love hormones, oxytocin. Thus, enhancing emotional stability and overall well-being.
Interestingly, research has also proven that chanting the "om" or is it "aum" sound synchronizes both hemispheres of the brain. Thus, calming your heartbeat, brain waves, and breathing.
What's the point of all of these?
The takeaway is that singing or humming your favorite song can uplift your mood whenever you feel low and it can promote healthy thinking or a positive mindset.
What is the effect of loud noise in the brain?
Loud noise always makes it to the top of the list of everyday stressors in the environment. You would agree that noise can cause irritation and discomfort — not to mention the tendency of losing focus and concentration.
Regardless of the source of noise, whether from your honking cars, your air conditioner, or a construction site, prolonged exposure to loud noise affects you negatively.
Some harmful effects of loud noise include:
- Increased difficulty in distinguishing sounds
- Loud noises alter how your brain process speech
- High-intensity sounds can lead to hearing impairment or loss of hearing.
Other health effects from noise include annoyance, sleep disruption, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease. Loud noise can also cause changes in the immune system.
Prolonged exposure to elevated noise levels in the workplace can cause accidents, aggression, and anti-social behaviors among staff.
Dealing with the invisible threat — Noise Pollution
According to the European Environment Agency (EES), noise is responsible for at least 16,000 premature deaths and over 70,000 hospitalizations in Europe. Yeah, that's something to worry about.
How Do Different Music Genres Affect the Brain?
Pop, Rap, Reggae, and Country music have similar effects on the brain. Because of their repetitive and catchy nature, these genres of music can distract you from negative thoughts.
According to the Huffington Post, metal music can calm angry people and mitigate feelings of depression and suicidal thoughts. Classical music can improve visual attention in stroke patients and could make kids smarter.
Remember, people, respond to music differently. So, experiment and settle what works for you.
With cars blazing through asphalts and planes zooming past overhead, cities and towns have become the hub of noise pollution. Because noise can affect you physically and psychologically, you need to find a means of drowning noise. One way of doing that is to get yourself a charming unit of technology — Aromeo Sense!
Aromeo sense is a technological masterpiece that can help you reduce stress, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. It can also help you deal with sleep disorders while also boosting your memory and concentration.
Rest assured, Aromeo sense is the best solution for reducing noise pollution in your home or office. Incorporate Aromeo Sense into your space and keep your good vibes going.
