Read the text and create a Top Three Worst Sounds from the list. Then explain the reasons for your choices.
Scientists agree that unpleasant sounds fall into two distinct categories.
First, annoying sounds like incessant car alarms and snoring because they are intrusive and disrupt our thought or sleep processes. Second, noises that trigger an immediate negative intuitive reaction, like nails on a blackboard or squeaking polystyrene.
Vomiting
Many people say that in this case it’s not the actual sound, but rather the mental picture, that disgusts those who hear it. I must say that I simply cannot be within earshot of a puking person, otherwise my own gag reflex involuntarily gets triggered.
Crying Baby
Interestingly enough, when we look into different demographic groups, it was the male contingent who were really irritated by this sound. That’s not to say that women aren’t equally upset by it – maybe they’re just maternally conditioned not to complain about it as much.
Poorly Played Violin
I don’t expect to hear the same quality as Yehudi Menuhin from every player, but some people shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near one of these beautiful instruments. Bad scraping on the violin strings sets a lot of people’s teeth on edge.
Flatulence
Not surprisingly, while it was men who found the sound of a crying baby irritating, women overwhelmingly voted for the sound of farting as being upsetting.
People Arguing
Psychologists would probably trace the dislike of this sound to people’s childhoods and possibly their memories of cringing in the cupboard with their hands over their ears as their parents fought. I, like most people, just hate the sound.
Person Chewing Food with an Open Mouth
An apple was the most-mentioned annoying open-mouthed munching sound, but I’m sure you can think of grosser sounds coming from a dining partner who inadvertently invites you to listen, and even view, their meal via a gaping mouth.
