How often do you stop and appreciate your hearing? If you’re like most people, you probably don’t even think about your hearing until it affects how you communicate with people or listen to music.

We’re exposed to thousands of sounds every day, and some are just way more pleasant than others. But why do we prefer to hear certain sounds? And why do we instantly feel happy when we notice them?

The theoretical explanation for why some sounds feel so good

There are many theories explaining our sounds preferences. One of them is that we prefer natural sounds, like the sounds of the waves on the shore, the birds singing at dawn, the soft breeze through the trees or the whispering of the grass. Usually, these sounds have a calming and soothing effect on our brain and have been linked to relaxation and well-being.

Related article: Does Certain Sounds Like Chewing or Nails on a Chalkboard Drive You Crazy? Misophonia Explained

The scientific explanation for why some sounds feel so good

Until a few years ago, we never had a scientific explanation as to why we particularly enjoy certain sounds, but it’s since emerged that we didn't tend to study them because we perceive these particular sounds as non-threats. Over years, science has proved that this liking was triggered by an automated response from the brain known as auto meridian sensory response.

Auto Meridian Sensory Response is a fancy term for a phenomenon more affectionately known as “brain tingles” which are triggered by certain sounds and may or may not be accompanied by equally soothing visuals.

Related article: Brain tingles: ASMR

Today there are thousands of minutes of audio on YouTube of nature sounds that can help you fall asleep and reduce anxiety. And, of course, there are even popular apps such as Headspace that use nature sounds (and some other soothing sounds like boat engines and laundromats) to help people manage their stress throughout the day.

Other reasons why some sounds feel so good

The white noise masking effect

One of the other reasons why we enjoy particular sounds is that some sounds can work as white noise by masking other unpleasant sounds that would otherwise bother or annoy us.

A good example is the rumbling of the laundromat. People who enjoy listening to these sounds explain it as ‘relaxing, monotonous and helps to focus. These sounds can help you concentrate by eliminating other disturbing sounds.

Who knew how calming it would be just to wait for your laundry to wash?

The memory triggered effect

Another theory behind why we favour some sounds over others is that it ties in with our memories.

Think of a place you grew up in. If it’s the seaside and you enjoyed summers by the beach, we bet one of your favourite sounds is the waves crashing onto the shore.

Or, if you spent time in the countryside, it’s probably the sound of trees, the buzzing of the bees or bird songs early in the morning. These sounds are all connected to your most joyful memories.

The widely liked sound test by Mumbli

To test out these theories, we asked some of you to let us know your favourite sounds. Those that bring you the most happiness and which you couldn’t live without!

We might be biased, but we think the answers are beautiful! What do you think?

What are the sounds you couldn’t live without? Is it a bird’s melody in the early hours of the morning?

Or the roaring engine of your favourite car? Whatever it is, let us know!