Understanding Why We Dislike the Sound of Our Own Voice on Recordings

Apr 28 2024

Have you ever recoiled at the sound of your own voice on a recording, wondering if that was really how you sounded? You’re not alone. Thanks to platforms like TikTok, many of us have come to realize that we share this universal experience of feeling uneasy about the sound of our own voices. But why does this happen?

According to Ashish Shah, an audiologist at The Hearing Care Partnership, there’s a scientific explanation behind it. When we speak, we hear our voices in two ways: externally through air conduction and internally through bone conduction. The latter transfers lower frequencies that air-conducted sound does not, giving our voices a deeper tone that we’re accustomed to hearing.

However, when others hear us speak, they only perceive our voices through air-conducted sound, resulting in a higher pitch. The same applies when we listen to recordings of our voices; without the bone-conducted sound, we hear ourselves differently than we’re used to.

Shah explains, “When we hear our voices through a recording, we do not have the bone-conducted sound to add the lower frequencies, so we hear ourselves in a way that we are not used to hearing. And this is why we often find people saying they dislike the sound of their voice when they hear it played back to them.”

Interestingly, research has shown that when people listen to recordings of their own voices without knowing it’s theirs, they rate it higher in attractiveness. Shah adds, “Generally, we don’t analyse the voices of others, so you can almost guarantee that people are not analysing yours.”

In essence, our discomfort with our recorded voices stems from the discrepancy between how we perceive ourselves and how we sound to others. While we may cringe upon hearing our own voice, it’s important to remember that others hear us differently, and our self-judgment is often based on unfamiliarity rather than objective sound quality.

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Clean Malta Urges For More Care Following Kordin Roundabout Damage

Apr 28 2024

In response to the recent damage to the Kordin roundabout, authorities are emphasizing the need for collective action and responsibility to safeguard Malta’s public spaces. The incident, attributed to either accidents or negligence, highlights the importance of community collaboration in maintaining environmental integrity.

Local officials stress the significance of everyone’s involvement in addressing such issues, urging citizens to actively participate in finding solutions rather than assigning blame.

“The well-being of our country and its surroundings depends on our collective efforts,” said a spokesperson from the environmental department.

In a bid to tackle the problem effectively, authorities have launched a campaign encouraging citizens to communicate directly through the CLEAN and UPKEEP app or by contacting the Customer Care Unit. The app allows users to report concerns, providing pin location details for quick resolution.

“We want to encourage everyone to be proactive in preserving the beauty and safety of Malta,” the spokesperson added.

The initiative underscores the importance of a united front in ensuring a cleaner and safer environment for all residents. To learn more about the campaign and how to get involved, visit cleanandupkeep.gov.mt or call the Customer Care Unit at 1718.

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Citizens and Moviment Graffiti Launch Il-Bankini taċ-Ċittadini Campaign Against Commercial Takeover

Apr 28 2024

In a unified stance against the encroachment of public spaces by commercial interests, activists from various groups joined forces yesterday to launch the Il-Bankini taċ-Ċittadini campaign. The collaboration included Moviment Graffiti , FAA, and several residents’ associations such as the Sliema Residents Association, Valletta Residents, Marsascala Residents Network, Mellieħa Residents, San Pawl il-Baħar Residents, and Azzjoni Tuna Artna Lura – Kottonera.

During the press conference held to inaugurate the campaign, residents and activists highlighted the significant challenges faced in numerous localities across Malta and Gozo due to the unchecked spread of commercial ventures onto public land. They emphasized the urgent need for action to safeguard the interests of common citizens against the dominance of private interests, which are rapidly consuming open spaces.

The root of the issue, as voiced by the coalition, lies in the failure of authorities, particularly the Planning Authority, the Lands Authority, and the Malta Tourism Authority, to prioritize public well-being over business interests. They accused these bodies of facilitating abuse rather than upholding the law.

Presenting a comprehensive policy document during the conference, activists and residents outlined a series of demands and proposals aimed at addressing the situation. These demands include:

Review of Legislation: The current policy on Outside Development Zones (OCAs) needs to be revised, strengthened, and enforced to prevent further encroachments.
Release of Information: There must be transparency in the process of granting permits, particularly by the Lands Authority, to ensure accountability.
Right of Action: Introduce a right of action, allowing any person to sue for the revocation of encroachments granted if permit conditions are breached.

The coalition stressed that failure to address these demands would only escalate their efforts, with more residents coming together to assert their rights.

This collective action reflects growing frustration among citizens who feel marginalized by the unchecked expansion of commercial interests into public spaces. It underscores the pressing need for authorities to prioritize the well-being of residents and the preservation of communal areas over unchecked development.

Speaking at the conference, representatives reiterated their determination to fight for their rights, signaling that they would not back down until their demands are met. The Il-Bankini taċ-Ċittadini campaign marks a significant step towards reclaiming public spaces for the benefit of all citizens.

Over €2.2 Million Raised During The Marathon For The Malta Trust Foundation.

Apr 28 2024

The Malta Trust Foundation has once again demonstrated its commitment to helping children and young people facing difficulties through its recent fundraising marathon, “For the children… all all all all”. Founded in 2015 by President Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, the Foundation aims to alleviate poverty and social exclusion among Malta’s youth.

The marathon, which aired on all channels until midnight, successfully raised €2,254,769 thanks to the generous contributions of the Maltese people. President Emeritus Coleiro Preca expressed her gratitude to everyone who supported the cause, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in making a positive impact on children’s lives.

Archbishop Charles Scicluna also joined the initiative, offering his support by answering phones and providing encouragement to those facing challenging times. With the funds raised, the Malta Trust Foundation will continue its mission of helping children in need, ensuring they have access to the resources necessary for a better quality of life.

Among the Foundation’s initiatives is the provision of assistive devices for children with visual impairments or on the autism spectrum who struggle with communication. This ongoing effort reflects the Foundation’s dedication to inclusivity and support for children of all backgrounds.

President Emeritus Coleiro Preca affirmed that the Foundation’s work will persist, with a focus on expanding assistance to even more children who require help and support. Through the collective efforts of donors, volunteers, and supporters, the Malta Trust Foundation is making a tangible difference in the lives of Malta’s youth, offering hope and opportunity for a brighter future.

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