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Oxford Teams Reveal the World’s Best Tasting Sounds
RA team of researchers from Oxford recently found that the sounds people hear while they’re eating can change the way they think their food tastes. Professor Charles Spence, a sensory psychologist at Somerville College, Oxford, believes it is possible to change the flavour of foods simply by stimulating people’s sense of hearing. He has found that that changing the sound food makes while it is being eaten can make it seem crunchier or softer in the mouth. In addition, playing seaside sounds while diners are eating can make them detect more seafood flavours while the sound of a good fry up brings out the taste of eggs and bacon. The research supports the views of the team at the Oxford Hearing Centre regarding the importance of sound in all aspects of our lives. Richard Moss RHAD, FSHAA, MRSH, senior partner at Oxford Hearing Centre and Chairman of AIHHP (the Association of Independent Hearing Healthcare Professionals) said: "We are well aware of the fundamental importance of hearing to the ‘whole person’. Time and time again, through improving our clients hearing, we’ve seen massive changes in their confidence and enjoyment of life… well away from the things you might assume." "In many cases it’s being able to hear the little, so called everyday, sounds again that makes the biggest difference to our clients. It may sound twee, but hearing a clock ticking or birdsong in the morning for the first time after years in silence can have a huge positive effect." It seems the same is true of sizzling bacon in the morning! "With this in mind, it really doesn’t surprise me that better hearing can help stimulate the taste buds. Thirty years as a Hearing Aid Audiologist has convinced me that hearing really is our most powerful sense, effecting every aspect of our lives." The Oxford Hearing Centre has compiled a list of the Top 10 ‘Sounds you wouldn’t expect you’d miss’. Compiled from client responses of their before and after experiences. 1. Morning Birdsong 2. Rain 3. Playground Sounds 4. Rustling Trees in the Wind 5. Warm Ambience (the buzz of excitement before a concert) 6. Food Cooking 7. Distant Church Bells 8. Waves on the Beach 9. Hearing the punch line to jokes 10. The ‘ticking’ of a clock About the Oxford Hearing Centre The Oxford Hearing Centre was formed in 1982 as a hearing aid and audiological centre of excellence. The practice owner was a founding member, and now chair of AIHHP – The Association of Independent Hearing Healthcare Professionals. AIHHP is a professional body representing the leading independent hearing aid audiologists in the United Kingdom. Full members of the association have to meet rigorous clinical standards and are subject to peer evaluation before admission. As well as helping people to hear, the Oxford Hearing Centre provides individual and organisational guidance on hearing conservation and self-funds their voluntary charity work as part of their corporate, social responsibility programme. Richard Moss also acts as consultant to the music industry, advising many famous professional and amateur musicians on issues of hearing protection and healthcare. The Oxford Hearing Centre’s diverse client list covers all walks of life, from royalty to rock stars. Oxford Hearing Centre www.oxfordhearingcentre.co.uk |
