Individual Differences in Sensitivity to Everyday Sounds: Developmental, Environmental, and Personality Predictors of
Akemi Hara1, Yume Otsuki2, Keita Shimizu1
1Research, Medical Governance Research Institute, Minato, JPN.
Cureus
|August 18, 2025
Summary
Individual auditory sensitivity varies, influenced by early experiences and personality. This study identified two dimensions: sensitivity to subtle sounds (WLS1) and reactivity to loud sounds (WLS2), revealing distinct psychological pathways.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Auditory Perception
- Individual Differences
Background:
- Auditory sensitivity to everyday sounds exhibits significant individual variation.
- Factors like early auditory environments and personality traits influence these differences in adults.
- Explores sensitivity to typically non-intrusive, low-salience sounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify distinct dimensions of auditory sensitivity.
- Examine the role of psychosocial and developmental factors in shaping auditory sensitivity.
- Investigate predictors of sensitivity to subtle and intense sounds.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional web-based survey of 380 Japanese adults (aged 18-56).
- Utilized a self-developed questionnaire assessing affective reactions to 39 everyday sounds.
- Employed factor analysis and multiple regression to analyze auditory sensitivity dimensions and their predictors.
Main Results:
- Two dimensions of auditory sensitivity identified: WLS1 (subtle sounds) and WLS2 (loud/sharp sounds).
- WLS1 predicted by childhood vocal discipline, emotional reactivity, and interpersonal assertiveness.
- WLS2 associated with female gender, insomnia, fatigue, and impulsivity. A third factor (W1) related to ambient mechanical sounds predicted by orderliness, emotional sensitivity, and preference for uniqueness.
Conclusions:
- Auditory sensitivity is multifactorial, shaped by developmental experiences and personality.
- Distinct psychological pathways underlie responses to subtle versus intense auditory stimuli.
- Highlights the complex interplay between environment, personality, and sound perception.
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