Let’s Talk Sex | Do Sounds Turn You On? You Could Be an Auralist

Sex may permeate our popular culture, but conversations about it are still associated with stigma and shame in Indian households. As a result, most individuals dealing with sexual health issues or trying to find information about sex often resort to unverified online sources or follow the unscientific advice of their friends. To address the widespread misinformation about sex, News18.com is running this weekly sex column, titled ‘Let’s Talk Sex’. We hope to initiate conversations about sex through this column and address sexual health issues with scientific insight and nuance

In this article, we will explain what auralism is, what triggers it, and how you can explore this sensory kink safely and ethically.

Let’s talk about those sounds that really get your heart running. There are certain voices, accents, and music, that make your heart race and your body tingle. What you’re experiencing is called auralism, AKA an auditory kink. It’s a real thing, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of.

Auralism refers to a sexual interest in certain sounds, like whispers, moans or other erotic noises. For those with an auralism kink, listening to sensual sounds can be intensely arousing and lead to sexual pleasure or orgasm. The sounds that stimulate auralists vary from person to person. Some common ones include:

• Whispering or soft speaking: The subtle, intimate nature of whispering and gentle speech can be a turn-on.
• Moaning or heavy breathing: Hearing the sounds of pleasure from a partner during sexual activity fuels the arousal of many auralists.
• Wet noises: The sounds of kissing, licking or other sensual activities that produce slick, wet noises.
• Role-play scenarios: Some auralists enjoy listening to erotic role-play or fantasies spoken aloud by a partner. The scenarios and sounds ignite their imagination.

For those intrigued by auralism, exploring sounds during intimate moments with a partner can open up a new dimension of sensuality. Start with whispers, moans and wet kisses and see how it feels for both parties. Discuss any sounds that stand out as particularly arousing. Don’t be afraid to get creative by adding role-play or new scenarios.

Science behind auralism and why certain sounds are arousing

There’s actually a scientific reason behind why certain sounds turn you on, and it has to do with how our brains are wired.

• Our brain loves sounds: Our auditory cortex, the part of the brain that processes sound, takes up a large portion of our sensory cortex. Sound is a huge part of how we perceive the world, so it’s no surprise that the sounds we find pleasing or interesting can also arouse us sexually. For some, sounds like whispering, moaning or the crinkling of sheets can trigger arousal.
• Memory and association play a role: The sounds we experience during intimate moments with a partner become strongly associated with arousal and pleasure. Hearing those sounds again stimulates the same neural pathways in the brain, activating memories and feelings of arousal. This is why sounds from a past lover may continue to turn you on long after the relationship has ended.
• ASMR and tingles: For some, arousal comes from a tingling sensation caused by certain soft sounds like whispering, tapping or scratching. Known as autonomous sensory meridian response or ASMR, these tingles usually start at the scalp before moving down the neck and spine. Not everyone experiences ASMR, but for those who do, the tingling sensations can be quite pleasurable and even lead to arousal or orgasm.

Whether it’s the memories, the ASMR tingles or simply the way your brain is wired, auralism demonstrates the intimate connection between sound, arousal and sexual pleasure. For the aurally inclined, the right sounds can be just as potent as the right touch.

Common auralism triggers: Voices, music and more

• Voices: For many auralists, certain voices can be highly arousing. A soft, breathy whisper or a deep, raspy voice are common triggers.
• Music: Music is a broad category that covers many sounds that people find stimulating. The beat, rhythm, lyrics, or melody of a song can all be triggers.

Other common sounds that activate auralism include:

• Nature sounds: Ocean waves, rainfall, wind
• Household noises: Vacuuming, fan sounds, clocks ticking
• Erotic sounds: Moaning, kissing, sensual touching
• Ambient noise: Crowds, traffic, airplane ambient

Auralism is a diverse kink with endless sounds that people can find stimulating. Exploring the different categories of triggers is the best way to learn what turns you on and how to enhance your aural experiences.

Practising auralism safely and consensually

• Set clear expectations: When engaging in auralism with a partner, it’s critical to discuss your interests, limits, and desires ahead of time. Be open and honest about the sounds that arouse you and ask your partner what they’re comfortable with.
• Start slowly: Don’t go from 0 to 60 in a few seconds. Build up the sounds slowly to allow yourself and your partner to get accustomed to them. You might begin with soft moans or heavy breathing before moving on to more intense sounds.
• Watch for nonverbal cues: Since auralism focuses on sounds, it can be easy to miss nonverbal cues from your partner indicating they want to stop or slow down. Make eye contact, watch their body language and facial expressions closely.
• Be respectful of others: Keep in mind that not everyone wants to hear loud or explicit noises, especially in shared spaces. Be extremely considerate of roommates, neighbours, and anyone else within earshot.

With open communication, mutual respect, and safety precautions put in place, auralism can be an exciting new experience for you and your partner. But go slowly, watch for consent and comfort, and be mindful of your surroundings. That’s the key to responsible and enjoyable sound play.

And there you have it, friends. Auralism is a real thing that some folks experience, even if it’s not widely talked about. At the end of the day, we all have our own unique turn-ons, and as long as no one’s getting hurt, there’s no shame in that game. If certain sounds really rev your engine, embrace and enjoy them. Just be sure to communicate openly with any partners so everyone’s on the same page. Life’s an adventure, so make some noise and have fun exploring what floats your boat…or rings your bell! Just remember that consent, safety and mutual satisfaction should steer your ship.