Yes, there is research suggesting that certain sound frequencies can evoke a desire to continue listening. One phenomenon related to this is called "auditory driving" or "entrainment." When exposed to rhythmic or repetitive sound frequencies, individuals may experience a sense of entrainment or synchronization, which can lead to a desire to continue listening.
Here are a few examples of research in this area:
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Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS): RAS involves using rhythmic auditory cues, such as a steady beat or tempo, to enhance movement or motor activities. Studies have shown that when individuals engage in activities synchronized with specific rhythmic frequencies, such as walking or exercising to music, they experience an increased desire to continue the activity.
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Musical Chills: Certain sound frequencies or musical elements can evoke an intense emotional response, commonly referred to as "musical chills" or "frisson." Research has found that these chills are often associated with specific moments in music that contain unexpected harmonies, melodic progressions, or emotional climaxes. The desire to continue listening in such cases arises from the pleasurable and captivating nature of the experience.
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Brainwave Entrainment and Meditation: Various forms of sound frequencies, such as binaural beats or isochronic tones, are commonly used in meditation and relaxation practices. When individuals listen to these frequencies, they may enter a relaxed or meditative state. The calming and soothing effects of these frequencies can create a desire to continue listening for prolonged relaxation or meditative experiences.
While the desire to continue listening to specific sound frequencies can be subjective and may vary among individuals, these studies suggest that certain sound characteristics, rhythms, and frequencies have the potential to captivate and engage listeners, leading to a desire for continued exposure.
References:
- Särkämö, T., Tervaniemi, M., Laitinen, S., Forsblom, A., Soinila, S., Mikkonen, M., ... & Hietanen, M. (2008). Music listening enhances cognitive recovery and mood after a middle cerebral artery stroke. Brain, 131(3), 866-876.
- Salimpoor, V. N., Benovoy, M., Larcher, K., Dagher, A., & Zatorre, R. J. (2011). Anatomically distinct dopamine release during anticipation and experience of peak emotion to music. Nature Neuroscience, 14(2), 257-262.
- Thoma, M. V., La Marca, R., Brönnimann, R., Finkel, L., Ehlert, U., & Nater, U. M. (2013). The effect of music on the human stress response. PLoS ONE, 8(8), e70156.
- Karageorghis, C. I., & Terry, P. C. (2017). Inside sport psychology. Human Kinetics.
- Thoma, M. V., & Nater, U. M. (2019). The psychobiological effects of music and music-evoked emotions: A potential pathway to the beneficial use of music in health settings. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 44(4), 259-270.