We are immersed in noise, and sorting out meaningful signals from ambiance is an amazing capability of our brain. Although we do not have the advanced sonic capabilities of bats, owls, wax moths, elephants, dolphins, and other animals, human hearing is quite sensitive. How we process and interpret what we hear plays a central role in shaping our interpretation and experience of our surroundings. From helping us recognize danger, to assisting in relaxation--sounds trigger physiological and psychological responses that affect our behavior and interactions with the world around us.
Automatic defensive response is a central feature of all sensory systems. With vision, understanding that what one sees is dangerous, is learned ...
