Why Do Some People Hate the Sounds of 'Screeching' Elastics?

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Additionally, the human ear becomes more sensitive to these frequencies as it ages, which may explain why adults are more likely to be irritated by the sounds. In summary, the aversion to screeching sounds may be linked to our primal instincts and the changes in our ear structures as we age.
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Mentallic
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What causes a good proportion of the human population (including myself) to be irritated by the sounds of 'screeching' elastics? Such as that of childrens' fingers rubbing against a balloon.
It seems that we are sorted into 2 categories, either you hate the sounds, or they don't bother you whatsoever. Children seem to be more resistant to the sounds as well. Does this have something to do with our ear structures, possibly as you grow older the inner ear changes in a way that makes you susceptible to falling into the 'hate it' category?
 
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Answer lives here: https://www.livescience.com/57106-why-fingernails-on-chalkboard-hurts.html
Overall, research shows that this ear-splitting noise has the same frequency as that of a crying baby and a human scream, indicating that these sounds are tied to survival. For instance, people attuned to these frequencies may rescue a crying infant sooner, improving the baby's longevity.
 
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Related to Why Do Some People Hate the Sounds of 'Screeching' Elastics?

1. Why do some people hate the sound of screeching elastics?

The sound of screeching elastics can be grating to some people due to a phenomenon called misophonia. Misophonia is a strong emotional and physical reaction to certain sounds, often known as "trigger sounds." In the case of screeching elastics, the high-pitched and repetitive nature of the sound can trigger a strong negative response in some individuals.

2. Is there a scientific explanation for why screeching elastics bother some people?

Yes, there is a scientific explanation for why screeching elastics can be bothersome to some people. The sound of screeching elastics falls within the frequency range of 2000-5000 Hz, which is known to be particularly irritating to the human ear. Additionally, the repetitive nature of the sound can cause a heightened response in the brain, leading to feelings of annoyance or discomfort.

3. Can people develop a sensitivity to screeching elastics over time?

Yes, it is possible for people to develop a sensitivity to screeching elastics over time. This can happen if a person has repeatedly been exposed to the sound and has developed a strong negative association with it. As with any trigger sound, the more a person is exposed to it, the stronger their response may become.

4. Are there any potential negative effects of being exposed to screeching elastics?

For most people, the sound of screeching elastics may simply be an annoyance. However, for individuals with misophonia, the sound can trigger a range of negative physical and emotional responses, such as anxiety, anger, or even panic. Repeated exposure to the trigger sound can also lead to increased stress levels and may affect a person's overall well-being.

5. Can anything be done to reduce the impact of screeching elastics on sensitive individuals?

Yes, there are some strategies that can be helpful in reducing the impact of screeching elastics on sensitive individuals. These include using earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to block out the sound, avoiding situations where the sound is likely to occur, and seeking therapy or counseling to learn coping mechanisms for dealing with misophonia triggers. In some cases, simply acknowledging and understanding the trigger can also be helpful in managing the response to it.

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