Why Do I Hear Laurel and Yanny?

The Yanny vs. Laurel audio illusion, which gained significant attention in May 2018, continues to captivate people with its perplexing nature. The debate revolves around a short audio recording in which individuals perceive either the word “Laurel” or “Yanny.” The phenomenon can be attributed to various factors related to sound frequency, age-related hearing changes, the nature of the mixed recording, the origin of the clip, and the influence of perception and context.

Sound Frequency

One of the key factors influencing the Laurel and Yanny illusion is sound frequency. Sound waves are characterized by their frequency, which refers to the number of vibrations per second. In the case of this audio clip, the sound waves that allow us to hear “Yanny” are at a higher frequency, while the sound waves that allow us to hear “Laurel” are at a lower frequency. The differences in frequency contribute to the divergence in perception among individuals.

Age and Hearing

Another significant factor is the relationship between age and hearing. As individuals age, it is common for their ability to hear higher frequency sounds to diminish. This age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, can impact how people perceive the Laurel and Yanny audio clip. Older individuals, with their reduced sensitivity to higher frequencies, are more likely to hear “Laurel” due to the dominance of lower frequency sounds.

Mixed Recording

The audio clip at the center of the Laurel and Yanny debate is a mixed recording created by students. During the recording process, the students played the sound of the word “laurel” while re-recording the playback amid background noise in the room. This mixing of different sound elements, along with the acoustic properties of the recording environment, contributes to the ambiguity of the audio clip.

Origin of the Clip

The audio clip itself originated in 2007 from a recording of opera singer Jay Aubrey Jones. Jones spoke the word “laurel” as part of a collection of 200,000 reference pronunciations produced and published by vocabulary.com. The clip was made using a laptop and microphone in Jones’ home, with acoustic foam to enhance the sound quality. Little did anyone know at the time that this innocent recording would spark a viral sensation years later.

Perception and Context

The perception of Laurel or Yanny can also be influenced by the acoustic context in which the audio clip is presented. Different acoustic contexts can make certain frequencies stand out more prominently, leading to different interpretations. Researchers have found that presenting the ambiguous audio clip after a lead-in sentence without any high frequencies can make the higher frequencies in the clip stand out more, potentially shifting the perception from “Laurel” to “Yanny.”

In conclusion, the Laurel and Yanny audio illusion is a captivating phenomenon that can be explained by factors such as sound frequency, age-related hearing changes, the nature of the mixed recording, the origin of the clip, and the influence of perception and context. The interplay of these elements creates a perceptual ambiguity that continues to fascinate and engage both scientists and the general public.

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FAQs

Why do some people hear Laurel while others hear Yanny?

People perceive either Laurel or Yanny based on the different frequencies present in the audio clip. Higher frequency sounds are associated with hearing Yanny, while lower frequency sounds are associated with hearing Laurel.

Does age affect how we hear Laurel and Yanny?

Yes, age can influence our perception of Laurel and Yanny. As we age, our ability to hear higher frequency sounds tends to decline. Older individuals are more likely to hear Laurel due to the dominance of lower frequency sounds in the audio clip.

How was the audio clip for Laurel and Yanny created?



The audio clip was a mixed recording created by students. They played the sound of the word “laurel” while re-recording the playback amid background noise in the room, resulting in an ambiguous audio clip that can be interpreted as either Laurel or Yanny.

Where did the word “laurel” in the audio clip originate?

The word “laurel” in the audio clip originated from a recording of opera singer Jay Aubrey Jones. It was part of a collection of reference pronunciations produced and published by vocabulary.com in 2007.

Can the perception of Laurel and Yanny be influenced by context?

Yes, the perception of Laurel or Yanny can be influenced by the acoustic context in which the audio clip is presented. Different acoustic contexts can emphasize certain frequencies, potentially leading to different interpretations of the clip.

Are there any other factors besides frequency that affect how we hear Laurel and Yanny?

While frequency is a significant factor, other factors such as individual hearing sensitivity, cognitive processing, and attention can also play a role in how we perceive Laurel and Yanny.

Can the audio illusion be manipulated by adjusting playback speed?



Yes, the audio illusion can be manipulated by adjusting the playback speed. Slowing down the audio clip can make the higher frequency sounds more prominent, potentially shifting the perception from Laurel to Yanny and vice versa.

Is there a definitive answer to whether it’s Laurel or Yanny?

No, there is no definitive answer as the perception of Laurel or Yanny can vary among individuals. It ultimately depends on factors such as individual hearing abilities, cognitive processing, and the acoustic context in which the audio clip is presented.

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