<p>Auditory information is conveyed to the brain from the cochlea via the VIII cranial nerve (aka vestibulocochlear nerve). Under standard conditions the vestibular system gets activated when we move our heads. If we spin around rapidly this can obviously make us feel dizzy and nauseous. The vestibular system can also be activated do to other causes. For example, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Positional_alcohol_nystagmus" rel="nofollow">positional alcohol nystagmus</a> (aka the drunk spins) occurs due to alcohol changing the densities of the endolymph and the cupula (part of the sensory organ in the semicircular canals). It turns out that low frequency pressure waves at high enough levels can activate the sensory cells in the vestibular system.</p>

<p>In some causes of deafness and hearing loss the vestibular system remains normal, or near normal. These individuals are therefore susceptible to these feelings. Other causes of deafness destroy the vestibular system making individuals immune to these feelings.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-10-03T10:24:15.663Z
Is there scientific evidence supporting this? The phenomenon is very interesting.
dogAwakeCat
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-10-03T10:50:04.933Z
@James I don't know the literature, but [Didier and Cazals (1989), Hear Res, 37, 123-127](http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0378595589900348#) looks promising.
StrongBad
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-08T14:52:34.987Z
2014-11-27T11:45:34.413Z
2014-11-27T11:45:34.413Z
StrongBad
<p>As one example, a specific low frequency beyond our hearing perception can make people feel nauseous and even vomit.</p>

<p>I'm sure there are more documented studies surrounding the correlation of auditory induced states, but how and/or why does this occur?</p>

<p>Also, does this phenomenon happen to deaf people as well?</p>

<perception><hearing><auditory-discrimination>
How do certain frequencies of sound induce psychological states?
CheeseConQueso
# How do certain frequencies of sound induce psychological states?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2013-10-10)

As one example, a specific low frequency beyond our hearing perception can make people feel nauseous and even vomit.

I'm sure there are more documented studies surrounding the correlation of auditory induced states, but how and/or why does this occur?

Also, does this phenomenon happen to deaf people as well?

**Tags:** perception, hearing, auditory-discrimination


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2014-09-08. Score: 3

Auditory information is conveyed to the brain from the cochlea via the VIII cranial nerve (aka vestibulocochlear nerve). Under standard conditions the vestibular system gets activated when we move our heads. If we spin around rapidly this can obviously make us feel dizzy and nauseous. The vestibular system can also be activated do to other causes. For example, [positional alcohol nystagmus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Positional_alcohol_nystagmus) (aka the drunk spins) occurs due to alcohol changing the densities of the endolymph and the cupula (part of the sensory organ in the semicircular canals). It turns out that low frequency pressure waves at high enough levels can activate the sensory cells in the vestibular system.

In some causes of deafness and hearing loss the vestibular system remains normal, or near normal. These individuals are therefore susceptible to these feelings. Other causes of deafness destroy the vestibular system making individuals immune to these feelings.

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: Is there scientific evidence supporting this? The phenomenon is very interesting.  
> **username_1**: @James I don't know the literature, but [Didier and Cazals (1989), Hear Res, 37, 123-127](http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0378595589900348#) looks promising.  

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