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Science

Science Says These Are the Top 10 Worst Noises to Hear

Oct. 12, 2012 9:20pm
Science Says These Are the Top 10 Worst Noises to Hear

Scientists think the brain's reaction to unpleasant noises could be triggering a "primitive" response. (Photo: Shutterstock.com)

Everyone has at least one noise that drive them bonkers. Researchers recently identified in a study some of the worst auditory offenders — and why they might be so grating to your ears.

Scientists at Newcastle University have researched the part of the brain reacts negatively to certain sounds and even created a top 10 list of those that are the most irritating.

According to the university website, 13 people participated in the study. Of the 74 sounds they listened to, here is the breakdown of best and worst (Note: If you click on the links, you can hear the sounds):

Science Says These Are the Top 10 Worst Noises to Hear

(Photo: Shutterstock.com)

MOST UNPLEASANT SOUNDS
1. Knife on a bottle
2. Fork on a glass
3. Chalk on a blackboard
4. Ruler on a bottle
5. Nails on a blackboard
6. Female scream
7. Anglegrinder
8. Brakes on a cycle squealing
9. Baby crying
10. Electric drill

LEAST UNPLEASANT SOUNDS
1. Applause
2. Baby laughing
3. Thunder
4. Water flowing

It could be argued that the sample size of little more than a dozen participants was too small to truly categorize these as the best and worst sounds.

Researchers monitored participants’ brains as they were listening to these sounds and found those that rated as more unpleasant were associated with a heightened auditory response thanks to regulation by the part of the brain that controls emotion, the amygdala. Study author Sukhbinder Kumar said it “appears there is something very primitive kicking in.”

Here’s more on the details:

Analysis of the acoustic features of the sounds found that anything in the frequency range of around 2,000 to 5,000 Hz was found to be unpleasant.  Dr Kumar explains: “This is the frequency range where our ears are most sensitive. Although there’s still much debate as to why our ears are most sensitive in this range, it does include sounds of screams which we find intrinsically unpleasant.”

The scientists believe further research down this vein could improve understanding of those with medical disorders that relate to their auditory perception, such as patients with autism.

“This might be a new inroad into emotional disorders and disorders like tinnitus and migraine in which there seems to be heightened perception of the unpleasant aspects of sounds,” lead researcher Tim Griffiths said in a statement.

This research is published in the Journal of Neuroscience.

 

(H/T: GeekOSystem)

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Comments (91)

1 2
  • OneRepublic4us
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 11:39pm

    I have cancer. I’ve heard the noise of an MRI machine, I’ve heard a surgeon apologize for the diagnosis, a death sentence. The most horrific thing I have heard is President Obama’s voice lying with every word he speaks. The backbone, strength and honor of the US being compromised by this anti colonialist is disgusting! I care, he does not, I was raised with American values, he was not.

    Report this comment

    OneRepublic4us  
    • cjccam
      Posted on October 13, 2012 at 12:10am

      Obama’s voice, Debbie Wasserman-Schultz’ voice, Baby or toddler screeching, someone constantly clearing their throat, vomiting, an EF-5 tornado as it bears down on you and destroys your home and city.

      Report this comment

      cjccam  
    • Cosmos102
      Posted on October 13, 2012 at 12:10am

      Americans won’t let you down. Obama’s agenda has already failed. The proof will come on Nov. 6th.

      Report this comment

      Cosmos102  
    • ZaphodsPlanet
      Posted on October 13, 2012 at 12:46am

      @OneRepublic

      I couldn’t agree with you more about BO’s voice and the lies. I’ve never heard an MRI up close and hope I never do. You don’t mention your full diagnosis but I’ll keep you in my prayers. Also do a little research on Vitamin B17.

      God Bless.

      Report this comment

      ZaphodsPlanet  
    • Dr Vel
      Posted on October 13, 2012 at 4:56am

      #1 Biden’s Joker laugh.

      Report this comment

      Dr Vel  
    • db321
      Posted on October 13, 2012 at 9:27am

      OneRepublic – you nailed it “Obama’s Voice.” I honestly believe I would choose my ex-wife nagging over Obama pandering to his worshipers.

      OneRepublic medical science may not have had very good news for you, but I know of a Great Physician who has wonderful news for you. He is the author and finisher of your faith. Put you faith in him. We are losing way to many people to Cancer these days and many are much to young. I have a hunch that God is putting together a mighty Army and I have a feeling that when God calls you he not going to have to ask you twice.

      I stand in Prayer with every Christian on the Blaze that Jesus send his healing power to OneRepublic from the top of his head to the tips of his toes. In Jesus name we ask it. Amen.

      Report this comment

      db321  
    • hidden_lion
      Posted on October 13, 2012 at 10:38am

      They should do a real test, like driving down the road with loud speakers on full playing that sound of the knife on bottle….that is one nasty sound. Use it against the occupy weenies.

      Report this comment

      hidden_lion  
    • QuincySmith
      Posted on October 13, 2012 at 1:24pm

      db321;

      Amen!

      Report this comment

      QuincySmith  
    • antiprogressive
      Posted on October 13, 2012 at 3:54pm

      Too much glass in the study – repetitious.

      And they don’t even MENTION a mosquito near your ear when you are lying in bed in the dark…

      Report this comment

      antiprogressive  
    • Fla Del
      Posted on October 13, 2012 at 11:10pm

      I hate the commercial for a pain medication where they amplify the sound of swallowing. Really gross.

      Report this comment

      Fla Del  
    • Verceofreason
      Posted on October 15, 2012 at 12:49am

      Have you heard CHristie fart.

      Report this comment

      Verceofreason  
    • Komponist-ZAH
      Posted on October 15, 2012 at 1:33am

      Emergency warning siren. Even though I’ve been fortunate enough to only hear tests, it’s still unsettling.

      Report this comment

      Komponist-ZAH  
  • Berbel73
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 11:09pm

    I remember as a kid having to clean up all the cinders in the spring time that were spread around by the plow trucks out on the road in front of the house. I’d have to go and sweep them up in a pile then scoop them up with a metal shovel. Agghhh I can still hear that screech of metal scraping against tiny little rocks!!

    Report this comment

    Berbel73  
  • steelpanther
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:59pm

    Pleasant sound
    1.Mitt wining a debate against Obama.

    Report this comment

    steelpanther  
  • Meyvn1
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:51pm

    Somewhat disagree… The most unpleasant sound is Obama speaking.

    Report this comment

    Meyvn1  
  • Fatheroftwo
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:51pm

    What happen to the sound of a Cat chocking up a **** ball in the middle of the night????

    Report this comment

    Fatheroftwo  
  • STINKS2HIHEAVEN
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:47pm

    Wouldn’t want to hear Sandusky in the general population after lights out.

    Report this comment

    STINKS2HIHEAVEN  
  • bald stick
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:41pm

    How about Hillary’s laugh. Sounds like a witches cackle. Oh wait, that is a witches cackle. Never mind.

    Report this comment

    bald stick  
  • OlefromMN
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:39pm

    “A liberal” should be number 1!

    Report this comment

    OlefromMN  
  • single stack
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:26pm

    I find Obooba’s sibilant “s” the most unpleasant sound of all.

    Report this comment

    single stack  
  • The-Monk
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:15pm

    I would suggest that these so called scientists and/or researchers listen to Barney Frank at 00:16 of this video clip…..

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73CzXJsIatk

    That’s right… as in “right cheek sneak” live on the Rachel Madcow Show.

    Report this comment

    The-Monk  
    • Tired of Code Names
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:34pm

      I might suggest that the sphincter muscle has lost some of it’s prime purpose after have been stretched out over the years.

      Report this comment

      Tired of Code Names  
    • crackerone
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 11:07pm

      Think Whoppie releasing “the hounds” on the View might match that. Don’t imagine that one would pass the smell test.

      Report this comment

      crackerone  
  • ShyLow
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:12pm

    Noisy kids in the local Hooters while I’m trying to watch UFC Pay P View is the most annoying sound I’ve encountered in a while. Can’t say I ever want to hear the sound of an airplane engine going out

    Report this comment

    ShyLow  
    • ShyLow
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:33pm

      Gilbert Godfrey and Fran Dresser singing “Islands in the Stream” probably woudn’t be all that pleasant

      Report this comment

      ShyLow  
  • Metallicat
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:08pm

    I’d have to make “Baby crying/Obama lip smacking” my first on the list of most unpleasant sounds. a tie, both as equally unpleasant.

    Report this comment

    Metallicat  
    • Metallicat
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:30pm

      I take that back,seriously it would have to be hearing your own bones snap or crunch

      Report this comment

      Metallicat  
    • TenStrings
      Posted on October 13, 2012 at 11:46pm

      I once heard -and felt- the sound of a chainsaw chain coming to a stop via my kneecap. The sound haunted me long after the wounds healed.

      Report this comment

      TenStrings  
  • Mullaniac
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:05pm

    Dentist Drill
    Car body crunching when you’re in it
    The sound right before your kid gets hurt
    Emergency Broadcast System
    A dog’s Yelp

    Report this comment

    Mullaniac  
  • Metallicat
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:59pm

    girlfriend chewing and popping gum on the phone always drove me nuts

    Report this comment

    Metallicat  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:15pm

      Ooh, that sounds like a former girlfriend.

      Report this comment

      RJJinGadsden  
    • Tired of Code Names
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:54pm

      Minority participation has been promoted and mandated for so long….and it continues to fail. The real challenge is to open up true discussion on how America convinces folks from all walks of life to choose to “make their own destiny”. If that does not occur sometime soon, it will be calamity. The reason government can’t be reduced now is because there are so many on the “middle class” dole only because government programs keep them there. And I’m not talking welfare. I’m talking about jobs supported by the bloated government. What does the Department of Energy really do? Think about it. I’d like to eliminate them…..but, if you agree and choose to do so, where do all those “middle class” folks get a job. Certainly not in the private sector. They have no clue. Take away the government programs and let everyone compete….that will be a big shake up. Newt Gingrich called it and nobody wanted to hear it. Now we have Romney. Better than Obama. But, not much better.

      Report this comment

      Tired of Code Names  
  • crackerone
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:54pm

    1. Joe Biden laughing, while going # 2 in his depends.

    Report this comment

    crackerone  
  • mydh12
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:53pm

    An interrogator could maybe make use of this information. Put a person in a cell and subject them to irritating noises. Why don’t do this at Gitmo, instead of coddling the terrorist prisoners?!

    Report this comment

    mydh12  
  • Tigress1
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:51pm

    Another stupid study. They didn’t know that people with migraines can’t stand loud or annoying sounds? DUH! Here, I’ll save them the time and money of doing another “study”. People with migraines also don’t like bright lights.
    They also missed the most annoying sound on earth: the sound of money being flushed down the toilet.

    Report this comment

    Tigress1  
  • Zipit
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:47pm

    Jim Carey in Dumb And Dumber! http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=0cVlTeIATBs&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D0cVlTeIATBs

    Report this comment

    Zipit  
  • Jenny Lind
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:34pm

    Number 11< Joe Biden laughing.

    Report this comment

    Jenny Lind  
  • Patriot Z
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:33pm

    janet reno/ nancy pelosi finger blasting rosanne bar to orgasm after a bean burrito buffet

    Report this comment

    Patriot Z  
    • Tired of Code Names
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:57pm

      Patriot Z Dang dude….I have been reeling from the last statements from Wasserman and now you had to imprint that in my brain….

      Report this comment

      Tired of Code Names  
    • hoopojoop
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:11pm

      I’m glad I wasn’t drinking hot coffee when I read your post. Funniest thing I’ve rad in a long time.

      Report this comment

      hoopojoop  
    • 2smartobeadem
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 11:03pm

      brutal

      Report this comment

      2smartobeadem  
    • G-WHIZ
      Posted on October 14, 2012 at 11:34am

      RosanneBarr singing(?) “God Bless America” at that last ballgame!! :>0

      Report this comment

      G-WHIZ  
  • Tired of Code Names
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:32pm

    Debbie Wasserwhatever saying anything is likely number one. And even uneasier on the eyes.

    Report this comment

    Tired of Code Names  
    • WiredRight
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:14pm

      You beat me to it… I was just gonna ask why Debbie Was-a-man Schultz isn’t on the list.

      Report this comment

      WiredRight  
    • crackerone
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 11:38pm

      They also missed, being Sandra Fluke’s roomate in college, and hearing the bed squeaking in her bedroom. As Forrest Gump would say, EE ee EE ee.

      Report this comment

      crackerone  
  • N37BU6
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:30pm

    Alright, then: anything on a bottle, apparently.

    Did they try hitting a baby on a bottle?

    Report this comment

    N37BU6  
    • Patriot Z
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:43pm

      including christine aguleria singing ‘gennie in a bottle’ and also the song ‘time in a bottle’

      Report this comment

      Patriot Z  
  • N37BU6
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:29pm

    Only 13 people participated?

    Report this comment

    N37BU6  
  • Gary_K
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:25pm

    The most pleasant sound I could ever hear is barry soetoro’s a$$ hitting the floor when he looses the presidential race in November.

    Report this comment

    Gary_K  
  • TSUNAMI_22
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:25pm

    I can think of one that beats them all for ultimate most worst sound ever: “My fellow Americans, thanks for re-electing me for the next 4 years.”

    Report this comment

    TSUNAMI_22  
1 2

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