The discussion revolves around the concept of achieving a state of soundlessness for the mind and brain, exploring various methods and implications of reducing auditory stimuli. Participants consider both theoretical and practical approaches, including sensory deprivation, noise-cancelling technologies, and personal experiences with sound perception.
Participants do not reach a consensus on the feasibility of achieving pure soundlessness for the mind. Multiple competing views exist regarding the effectiveness of various methods and the nature of sound perception.
Participants express uncertainty about the original intent of the discussion, with some suggesting that the question has evolved over time. There are also mentions of the physiological limitations of sound-blocking technologies and the subjective nature of sound perception.
This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring sound perception, auditory technologies, and the psychological aspects of sound and silence.
Bobbywhy said:Etherialist.18, Can you be more specific? Your question is not worded so clearly and so members here are having difficulty giving meaningful responses.
Are you asking what would happen if the mind/brain was deprived of all stimulus? This is known as "sensory deprivation" and a Google search brings up many examples. If yes, then why not list those mechanisms that serve to stimulate the brain? Then research each one, and the effects on the brain of "turning it off"?
If this is not what you are asking about, please try again.
Bobbywhy
The auditory nerve is the 8th Cranial Nerve. It feeds directly from the inner ear into the brain. I can think of no reason nor method to anesthetize this specific nerve without risking brain damage and possible deafness. Of course, general anesthesia would anesthetize the 8th Cranial nerve by anesthetizing the portion of the brain aware of stimulation of the inner ear. The brain would still be aware on a subconscious level that there were sounds coming in, but the portion of the brain to interpret what those sounds were would not be awake to be aware of the stimulation, nor to interpret it.
For example, a unique head-set that I would wear that blocks sounds
Etherialist.18 said:I have those already. Would gun ear muffs be better? I'd like a tool to block all sound frequencies etc.
meBigGuy said:Going into an anechoic chamber you can hear the blood pumping in you ears. There is no silence - you become the noise maker.
meBigGuy said:I don't understand what you were originally asking about, in that you inferred your requirement was different than earplugs.
That said:
Consumer grade active noise cancelling headphones have their place, but are not really all that quiet.
The highest rated earmuffs are around 33dB (NRR) ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00117XML0/?tag=pfamazon01-20 ) , and earplugs go to 33dB. Supposedly wearing them both only gains you, like, 10dB more.
Remember there is sound conduction through your mouth and skull also.
Going into an anechoic chamber you can hear the blood pumping in you ears. There is no silence - you become the noise maker.
phinds said:I'm not clear that the OP knows WHAT he is looking for. Seems to have changed over the course of the thread.
FlexGunship said:Repeated and prolonged exposure to extremely loud sounds has been shown to reduce the functionality of the ear's ability to hear. You could try that until you don't hear anything anymore.
Etherialist.18 said:I explicitly mean pure silence with reference to sound. I may try gun ear muffs soon.