How Looking at a Picture of a Loved One Can Improve Your Hearing

Abstract

According to one of the most important theories in psychology, called attachment theory, being close to a person who loves and supports us in times of need evokes a sense of security that allows us to explore the world around us. But can this sense of security also give us “superpowers”, such as an improved sense of hearing? To test this, we conducted an experiment in which we performed two hearing tests: one was a regular test and, in the other, participants looked at a picture of a trusted loved one. The results were very surprising—when the participants looked at a picture of their loved one, their threshold for hearing was significantly better. So, the next time you try to hear a whisper, try to imagine the face of someone you love—you might be able to hear better.