Many people experience intense discomfort when they hear the sound of nails scraping against glass. This harsh noise triggers not only a sense of disgust but also physical reactions — shivers, goosebumps, and increased heart rate. Scientists have long sought to understand why such sounds affect us so strongly.
Researchers from the United Kingdom claim that the reason lies in our ancient survival mechanisms. The human ear canal resonates particularly strongly within the 2,000 to 5,000 Hz frequency range, amplifying sounds that fall within it. This is also where some of the most “alarm-inducing” sounds are located.
According to scientists, the scraping of nails on glass sits in the same frequency zone as a child’s cry or a human scream — signals that early humans had to react to immediately in order to survive. This inherited sensitivity explains why these noises remain so disturbing today.
However, reactions to these irritating sounds vary widely. Some people respond much more intensely — a condition known as misophonia. For them, certain noises provoke a powerful emotional and physical response.
British experts found that people with misophonia have a unique pattern of neural connections. Their auditory cortex is more strongly linked to brain areas responsible for motor control of the face, throat, and mouth. This explains why distressing sounds can trigger such strong tension in their bodies.