Apr 28 2009
A Knot of Data on the Perception of Approaching Sounds
It seems that all people do not perceive sounds the same. In particular, weaker individuals, in terms of body frame and muscle mass, tend to perceive an approaching sound as being closer than stronger individuals do. Interesting. What should we “make” of this knot of data?
In the report of this finding there is this speculation about the reason for it:
This connection between physical fitness and the brain’s auditory system may have evolved to help the weak get out of the way of approaching danger.
But before a whole cloth of explanation is woven it would be wise to hesitate. There are, however, other knots that suggest the same.
The research expands upon previous work showing that women respond to looming sounds sooner than their typically larger, stronger male counterparts — though both groups perceive receding sounds equally. Rhesus monkeys also spend less time looking at receding sounds than approaching sounds. “These reactions are influenced by evolutionary forces; it’s a good thing to respond a little bit early and, evolutionarily, it doesn’t cost much,” says Neuhoff.
One last point. The title writer of the news piece deserves fifty lashes with a noodle for his/her word choice: “Wimps Hear Dangerous Noises Differently.” Wimps? What are we, in high school?
