The speaker describes their experience in an anechoic chamber, a room designed to absorb all sound, at Brigham Young University (BYU). The anechoic chamber is filled with foam wedges that deaden sound by reflecting and absorbing it. The speaker spins around, screaming loudly to experience the sensation of sound in an anechoic chamber. They describe the room as the quietest place they've ever been, noting that even the slightest sound, such as their own breathing, is amplified.
The speaker explains that the absence of sound can induce a sense of claustrophobia due to the lack of reverb, which normally gives the illusion of space. They discuss the potential for anxiety and stress in such an environment, noting that some people have reported hearing the blood flow through their brain or experiencing hallucinations.
Despite these potential discomforts, the speaker decides to stay in the anechoic chamber for an extended period, with the goal of staying there for as long as they can. They describe feeling more aware of their heartbeat and other bodily sensations, and they find the experience relaxing and even productive. However, they do not report any hallucinations or other unusual experiences.
After nearly an hour, the speaker decides to exit the anechoic chamber and return to the outside world. They express surprise that they were able to stay in the chamber for so long without experiencing discomfort or anxiety. They suggest that if someone hates silence, they should bring an audiobook to pass the time. They end the video by thanking Audible for supporting them and encouraging viewers to check out their website.
1. The speaker screams loudly while spinning around until their breath runs out.
2. The speaker is at BYU at their anechoic chamber, which is Latin for a room with no echo.
3. The anechoic chamber achieves no echo through foam wedges placed on the walls and floor.
4. The speaker suggests using headphones while listening to the video as it will be important.
5. Low frequency sound bounces and keeps bouncing until it gets lost in the wall, while high frequencies get absorbed into the foam itself.
6. The speaker mentions that by clapping constantly while closing the doors, the room deadens echoes.
7. There are reports that it is impossible to stay in one of these rooms and remain sane for a significant period of time, with the record being 45 minutes.
8. The speaker feels a bit claustrophobic due to the lack of reverb, which feels like a lot of space is missing.
9. The speaker suggests that this may be an anxiety response, as people are used to having sounds around them.
10. The speaker warns people to let them know if they get dizzy, so they can be removed from the room before they make a mess.
11. The speaker explains that in the anechoic chamber, you will start to hear rustling of clothing, fluids in the mouth or throat, and eventually, the blood flow through your brain.
12. Some people say they can hear their heartbeat coming from their chest in these rooms.
13. A violinist who was placed in one of these rooms reportedly tried to get out within seconds due to disorientation, dizziness, and nausea.
14. The speaker decides to put themselves to the test by staying in the anechoic chamber for as long as they can.
15. After about 46 minutes, the speaker decides they have been in the room long enough and exits the room.
16. The speaker reports feeling more aware of their heart, almost feeling it radiating up the chest towards the head like a wave.
17. The speaker mentions feeling a hiss in their ears, which they attribute to possible hearing loss.
18. The speaker recommends carrying an audio book around with you if you really hate silence.