Individual Differences in Sensitivity to Everyday Sounds: Developmental, Environmental, and Personality Predictors of...

Background Sensitivity to everyday sounds shows considerable individual variation. This study aimed to identify distinct dimensions of auditory sensitivity and examine how psychosocial and developmental factors, such as early auditory environments and personality traits, shape individual differences in non-clinical adults. In addition, we explored sensitivity to low-salience sounds that are typically perceived as non-intrusive by most people but elicit discomfort in a minority of individuals. Methods A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted between September and November 2024 with 380 Japanese adults (aged 18-56), using a self-developed questionnaire informed by prior research and pilot testing. Participants rated their affective reactions to 39 everyday sounds. Factor analysis extracted latent auditory sensitivity components. Multiple regression analyses examined the predictive roles of childhood auditory environment and personality traits measured via standardized psychological scales. Results Based on factor analysis of participants' ratings across 39 everyday sounds, two underlying dimensions of auditory sensitivity were identified. These were labeled WLS1 and WLS2, reflecting different patterns of sensitivity: WLS1 represents sensitivity to subtle, non-salient sounds, while WLS2 reflects heightened reactivity to loud or sharp auditory stimuli. WLS1 was significantly predicted by childhood exposure to parental vocal discipline (β = 0.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.07-0.31), p = 0.002), emotional reactivity (β = 0.23, 95% CI (0.09-0.36), p = 0.001), and interpersonal assertiveness (β = 0.24, 95% CI (0.10-0.37), p < 0.001). WLS2 was associated with female gender (β = 0.50, 95% CI (0.27-0.72), p < 0.001), insomnia from worry (β = 0.15, 95% CI (0.04-0.27), p = 0.006), fatigue (β = 0.30, 95% CI (0.17-0.43), p < 0.001), and impulsivity (β = 0.14, 95% CI (0.04-0.24), p = 0.008). A third factor, W1, reflecting sensitivity to ambient mechanical sounds that over 80% of participants rated as non-intrusive, was predicted by orderliness (β = 0.16, 95% CI (0.03-0.25), p = 0.012), emotional sensitivity (β = 0.21, 95% CI (0.08-0.34), p = 0.002), and a preference for uniqueness (β = 0.29, 95% CI (0.15-0.44), p < 0.001). Conclusions Auditory sensitivity is multifactorial and shaped by both developmental auditory experiences and personality dimensions. The results suggest that distinct psychological pathways underlie responsiveness to subtle versus intense auditory stimuli.