You might listen to loud music because it can be a way to relieve stress and stimulate pleasure centers in your brain.
The Science Behind Loud Music and Pleasure
The sensation of listening to loud music can trigger the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. This occurs due to the stimulation of the sacculus, a small structure located in your inner ear.
The Role of the Sacculus
The sacculus is unique because it has direct neural connections to areas of the brain associated with pleasure and reward. When exposed to loud sounds, the sacculus responds and can trigger the release of these feel-good chemicals. Therefore, by listening to loud music, you are essentially self-medicating in a way, creating a pleasurable sensation and potentially reducing stress.
Stress Relief
Many people find that loud music helps them relieve stress. This can be due to the distracting nature of the sound or the endorphin release which counteracts stress hormones.
Summary
Listening to loud music can be a form of self-medication, using the stimulation of the sacculus in your inner ear to trigger the release of endorphins and potentially alleviate stress.
