Mainz – October 28, 2026 -- The drone of a vacuum cleaner, hair dryer or extractor hood helps some people wind down and fall asleep, while the same noises wear on others. Eberhard Schmidt, president of the Bundesinnung der Hörakustiker (biha), explains the phenomenon known as ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response).
Monotone hums can calm babies and adults
Parents may know the effect: a baby who refuses to sleep can settle when the extractor hood runs. Some adults also use the sound of a vacuum cleaner or hair dryer to switch off and doze off. According to biha, this can go so far that the sound eventually becomes a necessary sleep aid.
ASMR brings a tingle that starts on the scalp
Acoustic, visual and tactile stimuli can all trigger a pleasant tingling that usually begins on the scalp and spreads across the body like a shiver. ASMR is the subject of scientific study and has seen a hype in recent years, especially on social media.
ASMR is often combined with binaural beats: tones such as a whisper, played at slightly different frequencies in the left and right ear.
Schmidt, a master hearing acoustician, says calm, repetitive sounds can aid relaxation, but people should still give their ears regular breaks. For those who struggle to unwind in complete silence, ASMR sounds can ease the transition into relaxation.
Misophonia and hyperacusis are the flip side
Misophonia means harmless sounds, such as chewing or a dripping tap, provoke strong negative emotions. With hyperacusis, sounds cause physical discomfort or even pain. Noise damage, an acoustic trauma or inner-ear disease can cause this oversensitivity.
A hearing acoustician can determine through a professional hearing test whether hyperacusis or a hearing impairment is present. The test shows whether hearing works properly or whether a hearing system is advisable, and the acoustician then fits affected people individually.