Research on the ‘parchment skin’ illusion has revealedthat the feeling of our own skin is modulated by theauditory cues that are associated with self-touch [44].Similarly, our rating of the roughness and pleasantnessof the feel of other inanimate surfaces such as, for exam-ple, sandpaper, are also influenced by the contact soundswe hear [45].

mechanoreceptors

Somatosensory

Asresearch exploring the links between soundscapes and sense ofplace continues to grow, researchers could expand investigationscentred on the negative effects of anthropogenic ‘noise’ to includean emphasis on the benefits associated with more soothing naturalsounds

restorativeness

Listening to birds and casualbirdwatching in these restored landscapes may provide oneaccessible way to address growing well-being concerns. The highaccessibility of birdwatching in restored urban landscapes maybenefit people such as college students who are sometimes iso-lated from traditional mental health resources