In 2018, the world was introduced to the Yanny or Laurel audio illusion, a viral video clip that had people hearing two different words when listening to the same sound. Some heard "Yanny," while others heard "Laurel."

The clip was originally taken from a recording of a voice saying "Laurel," but due to the way our brains process sound, some people perceived the sound differently, leading to the perceived difference in words.

How Does the Yanny or Laurel Illusion Work?

Our brains use a combination of factors to perceive sound, including the frequency, amplitude, and formants of the sound. Formants are specific frequencies that emphasize certain vowels or consonants.

In the Yanny or Laurel illusion, the formants that emphasize the higher frequencies, such as the "y" sound, are more pronounced in some people's perception, while the formants that emphasize the lower frequencies, such as the "L" sound, are more pronounced in others.

This difference in perception results in people hearing different words, even though the audio clip is the same.

Factors Influencing the Perception

Several factors can influence the way people perceive the Yanny or Laurel illusion, including:

Age: Younger people tend to hear "Yanny," while older people are more likely to hear "Laurel."

Gender: Women are more likely to hear "Yanny" than men.

Hearing Loss: People with hearing impairments in the high-frequency range may be more likely to hear "Laurel."

Accent: English speakers with certain accents, such as American or British, may be more inclined to hear "Yanny" or "Laurel," respectively.

The Impact of the Yanny or Laurel Illusion

The Yanny or Laurel illusion not only captured the attention of the internet but also sparked a wave of scientific research. It highlighted the fascinating ways in which our brains can interpret the world around us.