Imagine exploring the awe-inspiring wonders of the ancient world, from the magnificent Great Pyramid of Giza to the towering Colossus of Rhodes. Now, Dolby Laboratories introduces the Seven Sonic Wonders of the World, urging travelers to experience phenomena like the laughter of hippos in Kenya and Iceland's Vatnajokull Glacier.
(Photo : GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Seven Sonic Wonders of the World by Dolby
Below are the Seven Sonic Wonders, which were chosen based on criteria similar to the Seven Natural Wonders, encompassing stunning natural beauty, endangered natural sounds, diversity, ecological importance, historical significance, geographical spread, and an element of mystery:
- Iceland's Vatnajokull Glacier - At the pinnacle of the list stands the largest glacier in Europe. Dolby describes tracing the millennia-spanning path of Iceland's colossal glacier, culminating in its dramatic collapse to release ancient air bubbles preserved for 10,000 years.
- The Dawn Chorus of Lake Suvasvesi in Finland - In the land of the midnight sun, the continuous daylight orchestrates an eternal symphony of black-throated diver birds.
- Kenya's Laughing Hippopotamus and Panama's 'Frog Beats'- Ranked third and fourth among the identified wonders, Dolby describes a serene frog symphony masking the movements of dangerous creatures amidst the darkness of the rainforest floor.
- Starling Murmuration in the UK- As per Dolby, the tens of thousands of starlings assemble in a breathtaking spectacle, emitting such a cacophony that it registered on Britain's World War II-era radar screens.
- Whispers of a Coral Reef in the Sulu Sea and the Caribbean Sea's Humpback Whale Song
For those unable to visit the Sonic Wonders, Dolby collaborated with wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson to create an album available on multiple platforms. Watson aims to transport listeners to the heart of these marvels.
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Therapeutic Power of Natural Sounds
Research has shown that exposure to natural sounds can have significant positive effects on cognitive performance, stress levels, and even pain perception. These sounds can evoke a range of emotions, from tranquility to anxiety, and are particularly beneficial for reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Additionally, ICU patients who listened to natural soundscapes via headphones reported lower levels of pain, suggesting the therapeutic potential of these sounds in medical settings.
Natural soundscapes, which encompass sounds from biological sources like bird songs and water sounds, have been identified as especially effective in providing relief from stress and pain. These findings have led to the development of digital collections of natural sounds, available through various apps, allowing individuals to access these benefits conveniently.
By selecting specific categories of natural sounds, such as ocean or rainforest sounds, users can tailor their auditory experiences to match their mood and enhance relaxation.
Furthermore, natural sounds have been found to aid in improving sleep quality by helping the body enter a relaxed state and reducing the body's response to stressors. Studies have shown that listening to natural sounds before bedtime can decrease the body's fight or flight response, promoting better relaxation and masking background noises that may disrupt sleep.
As a result, natural sounds are increasingly recognized not only for their therapeutic benefits in medical contexts but also as valuable tools for promoting overall well-being and aiding in relaxation and meditation practices.
Take a look at the video below for the seven sonic wonders of the world:
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