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Influence of external ear occlusion on food perception
Benoît Jutras1,2,3, Antonia Lüönd1, Flurin Honegger1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Summary
Occluding the ear canal amplifies chewing sounds, but this did not significantly alter food perception for most participants. Men, however, reported higher liking for soft foods when their chewing sounds were louder.
Area of Science:
- Sensory science
- Auditory perception
- Food science
Background:
- Chewing sounds (auditory cues) can influence food perception.
- The impact of amplified mastication sounds on taste and appreciation is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if occluding the ear canal affects food perception by altering mastication sound levels.
- To determine if amplified auditory feedback during eating influences ratings of food freshness, taste, and overall liking.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-nine adults with normal sensory function participated in two sessions: ear canal occluded and open.
- Participants rated food freshness, appreciation, and willingness to eat more for crispy and soft foods.
- Mastication sound pressure levels were recorded using a probe microphone within the ear canal.
Main Results:
- Occluding the ear canal increased mastication sound levels, particularly for crispy foods.
- No significant differences in food freshness, appreciation, or willingness to eat more were found between ear conditions.
- Men reported a higher usual liking for soft foods when their ear canals were occluded.
Conclusions:
- Increased mastication sound levels due to ear occlusion did not generally alter food perception.
- Auditory cues from chewing may have a limited impact on immediate food evaluation.
- Men's habitual consumption ratings for soft foods were influenced by amplified chewing sounds.
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