Halloween is almost here — a time for spooky costumes, flickering pumpkins, and plenty of jump scares. But have you ever wondered why certain sounds make your skin crawl?
It turns out, science has the answer.
Our brains have evolved to fear non-linear sounds — those with high amplitude, sudden frequency jumps, or strange harmonies. Think of shrill screams, clashing violins, or loud bangs. Because these don’t match the frequencies of normal human speech, our brains interpret them as abnormal — and possibly dangerous. It’s an ancient survival mechanism that keeps us alert to threats.
Even when we know we’re safe on the sofa, our bodies react instantly. Sound travels through just five nerves before we respond, which means we often feel fear before we even understand it. That’s why a sudden bang in a horror film can make you leap out of your seat — your hearing is acting as your first line of defence.
Researchers like Professor Daniel Blumstein at UCLA have even found that the same “non-linear” patterns appear both in animal distress calls and in horror movie soundtracks. In other words, filmmakers use biology to their advantage — the same sounds that warn animals of danger also send chills down our spine.
Even certain musical notes have a spooky edge. The so-called “Devil’s interval”, a dissonant tritone used in classical pieces like Danse Macabre, creates tension and unease thanks to its clashing wavelengths.
So, this Halloween, when you’re watching your favourite scary movie, listen closely.
Are the high-pitched screams, eerie chords or sudden silences making you jump? You’re not imagining it — your ears are doing their job perfectly.
And if you ever find those sounds a little too intense, it might be worth checking that your hearing is as sharp and balanced as it should be.
👉 Our audiology experts can help you tune in — and stay comfortable — with every sound around you.
Book a free hearing check today and keep your ears spellbound by the right sounds.
