Our unconscious brain uses reflected sound to determine changes in our space. Different spaces can reflect various sounds depending on the size of the space and the objects within the space. For example, if you sing in the shower, it will sound sharp and crisp. This is due to reverberation, the material of the shower, and its relatively small size. However, if you clap in a pantry full of contents, you'll notice that your clap is dull and not as sharp. There aren't enough empty surfaces in a full pantry to reverberate and create that sharpness.
We are constantly echolocating due to our brain's perception of reflected sound in the environment. Sound is often manipulated for entertainment purposes by using objects like sound-absorbing blankets to counteract sound reflections. The placement of these blankets impacts sound reflections. Of course, the thickness, material, and stitching of the blanket influence the sound as well. We usually don't consider that materials can absorb sound. Sound absorption occurs when the energy from sound waves makes contact with an object or surface, and some of that energy is transferred to the object or surface.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/sound-absorption
Did you know that our specialized hair cells convert
sound waves into electrical signals?
Click this link to learn more!
https://imotions.com/blog/insights/how-sound-affects-the-brain/
Hi,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great explanation of how we interact with sound in our environment without even realizing it. I liked your relatable example about singing in the shower to explain reverberation and sound reflection. I agree that it’s fascinating how materials around us can shape the way we hear and perceive space.