♮

Psychoacoustics: the scientific study of sound perception; the psychological and physiological responses associated with sound.

During this week’s lecture, the use of high-frequency sounds to prevent teens from loitering in malls was mentioned. This got me thinking about other unconventional uses for sound.

I remembered a newspaper article I once read, which spoke of the way in which speakers were set up to play classical music in a particular neighbourhood effected by rampant crime. The implementation of which successfully aided in the reduction of drug dealing within the area, to the surprise and delight of all.

There are many other examples of such applications, and they all work in the same way as in film; influencing the audience to incur a carefully curated emotional, and sometimes physical, response.

An example of such could include a classical music listener’s calm driving, as opposed to the heavy metal, or rock listener’s predilection towards road rage. Or even a visceral reaction, such as the physical recoil that comes as a result of nails being run down a chalkboard.

The psychoacoustic implications of sound are endless, and effect us continuously as we go throughout our daily lives. As a field that is gradually drawing more attention, scientists have started to observe psychoacoustic reactions in Alzheimer patients, and have hence realised it’s bourgeoning potential within the medical profession as a way of enabling patients to function on a more normal level, aiding memory and cognitive function. It has been noted that playing songs significant to an Alzheimer sufferer’s life, particularly from their youth, aids them immensely, bringing them joy, perhaps bringing back memories, and dramatically improving their quality of life.

In contrast to this, sound is also used, and has been for a long time, as part of ‘enhanced interrogation techniques,’ in which sound is used as part of psychological warfare, torture, used to manipulate, or wear down captives in order to draw out information. Sensory deprivation (no sound), sensory bombardment (too much sound), sleep deprivation, evocative sounds such as babies crying or simply music played continuously on a loop, are just some of the many applications of sound in this setting.

Sound is a deeply impactful instrument and means of communication. As a constantly evolving medium, its uses are far reaching, well beyond those demonstrated here, and will continue to find new and diverse applications as the years go by; from film, music, and art, to science and technology, the possibilities of sound are endless.