Why Do We Hate The Sound Of Our Own Voices?

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9 May 2024

According to BBC Science Focus, many people cringe when listening to recordings of themselves 


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This happens due to the discrepancy between how they hear their voice internally and how it sounds when played back


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Sound waves travelling through bones in our head contribute to our internal perception of our voice


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While recordings only capture air-conducted waves, resulting in a higher-pitched sound


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Additionally, when listening to ourselves, we tend to focus on flaws and quirks in our voice, leading to self-criticism


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This critical self-awareness can create a feeling of disconnection between our recorded voice and our true self


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The processing of external and internal sounds by our brains differs, which contributes to the distinction in perceived voice


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This divergence in perceived voice is further heightened by the varying processing of external and internal sounds in our brains


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However, with repeated exposure to recordings of ourselves, we can become more accustomed to our true voice


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Over time, the initial discomfort may fade, and we might even come to appreciate the uniqueness of our voice


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