A recent gif image has been circulating where individual can report hearing a “thud” sound with the image, despite there being no sound. The convergence of visual and auditory events is not new and researchers believe that the visually-evoked auditory responses (VEAR) are more common than previously thought.
Other types of synaesthesias are estimated to have an overall prevalence of 4.4 percent; however, recent work published in the journal Cortex estimated the prevalence of VEAR to 21 percent. To do so the researchers carried out a large-scale online study (n=4128) with a survey that included 24 silent video clips similar to the “thud gif.” They observed that those reporting “yes” to hearing sounds were more likely to report tinnitus or musical imagery.
Reference
Fassnidge CJ, Freeman ED. (2018) Sounds from seeing silent motion: Who hears them, and what looks loudest? Cortex.
Recent Posts
Illinois Legislature Passes Hearing Care Plan Transparency
The Illinois General Assembly has passed Senate Bill 2838 (SB 2838), a measure designed to increase transparency, strengthen consumer protections, and improve fairness in hearing…
Medicaid Work Requirements Rule Could Affect Access to Hearing Healthcare
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued an Interim Final Rule implementing Medicaid work requirements for certain adult beneficiaries beginning in 2027….
Sleep in U.S. Adults
Previously, we reported on sleep routines and tiredness in children. You may now be wondering how well adults sleep. If so, a recent report by…
