What Does It Mean to Hear in Color?

Hearing is a complex process, which involves various neurological pathways to the brain, sound waves, tiny nerve cells, and tiny bones. They work together so we can hear all types of sounds. However, some people hear in color, which is called synesthesia.

What does it mean to hear in color?

Psychology Today says that hearing in color (synesthesia) is a condition of the brain in which the stimulation of one sensory pathway--like hearing--leads to stimulation of another sensory pathway--like vision. Synesthesia can occur in different ways, but one of the most common ways is to hear in color. For instance, musical notes bring about flashes of color, specific to each unique noise. Other occurrences, although less common, constitute people experiencing physical sensations when hearing sounds or even having distinct tastes in their mouths when hearing sounds.

The link between synesthesia and hearing loss

People with hearing loss or deafness heavily use other senses to comprehend the world around them. With music, for example, your brain bypasses your ears so you can experience it if you can’t hear. Vibrations are experienced in the auditory cortex, which shows activity, and that doesn’t happen with those who have normal hearing. The auditory cortex processes sound but vibrations of music can strongly be experienced there in those who are deaf or have hearing loss. Essentially, your brain fills in the soundscape gaps with your other senses.

If you want to know more about synesthesia, please contact your hearing instrument specialist at Pure Sound Hearing Aids.

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