Explaining auditory-tactile synesthesia (as someone who has it)

Here’s an email I got last night and an explanation of auditory-tactile synesthesia… 

It reads: 

Hey there!

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to chat about something I’ve been pondering lately – the fascinating realm of sensory perception and its unexpected connections. Specifically, I’ve noticed that I seem to have an enhanced sensitivity not only to tone of voice but also to microexpressions. It’s like I pick up on these subtle cues more intensely than others. Do you ever experience something similar? I’m curious to know your thoughts.

Speaking of sensory experiences, I recently stumbled upon an intriguing tidbit. Did you know that there might be a connection between synesthesia and our heightened sensory awareness? Synesthesia, as you may know, is a condition where the stimulation of one sense leads to the perception of another. I wonder if my increased sensitivity could be related to synesthesia in some way. 

All in all, it’s amazing how our unique sensory and cognitive attributes can enhance our sensitivity and connectivity in various ways. It’s like we perceive the world through a multifaceted lens, opening up new avenues for understanding and connection. 

Sending you warm vibes and a big xo!

One, as always thanks for reaching out. 

Two, yes, I am very sensitive to tone of voice and micro-expressions but it took understanding what those “tones and micro-expressions” meant to finally be able to read them.

Being autistic, I struggle with social cues.

Hence why I became a wing-woman for Neil Strauss, and a dating expert in general … I was really really bad at it.

The whole concept of “catching my drift” is lost to me. 

Synesthesia, however, counteracts the deficits of being autistic and acts like a game genie to life and lets me connect the dots very very fast once I have identified them.

Seeing each dot when I was younger but not understanding how to connect them sent me into a bit of a tailspin being sometimes an off the charts reader on people, to completely and utterly clueless.

I hadn’t “picked my lane” to be in because I wasn’t aware of what each “lane” was. 

I have a lot of different types of synesthesia and one of them creates a literal (and physical) effect on my body.

Think of it like “getting goosebumps” but it’s also more than that … I’ll get these “jolts” of information when people are talking that “ping” different parts of my body.

It’s like my reactions are like notes on an instrument.

I can tell when a note is being involuntarily played, and I pay attention to how it is “playing” out. 

I have auditory-tactile synesthesia.

While audio tactile synesthesia may sound like an otherworldly experience, it’s actually more common than you might think. Many syntesthetes with this condition embrace their perceptions as a gift, allowing them to experience music and sounds in a profoundly unique way. It’s like having a secret superpower that adds an extra layer of depth and richness to auditory experiences.

Now that I’ve identified this dot = this sensation on my body I can read people in a very simple and non-mystical way. I am using the hyper connectivity of my brain (caused by synesthesia) to “catalog” the physical responses.

It’s hard to put into words because I don’t have a frame of reference what it is like to be “normal.”

I never knew what this was, I am just lucky enough to have close enough friends and family that listen when I KNOW I am picking up on something.

(Which helps with my confidence and lowers self depreciating thoughts.) 

Do I have a heightened sensory awareness?

I call it a “heightened level of situational awareness.” Because of the hyper-connectivity and sensory game genie, I pick up on evverrryytthiinnggg.

Which is both a blessing and a curse. I’ve spent the last six months developing out sensory products that work for me just to help cope with protecting my senses and my sanity at the same time. 

All of this is very very new in terms of diagnosis and discovery, and the more we keep talking about it and asking questions, the more we can all learn from it and cope with the sometimes COMPLETELY OVERWHELMING stimulants in life. 

Understanding Synesthesia

Synesthesia, the blending of the senses, is like a symphony playing within the mind. It’s a neurological phenomenon where stimulation in one sensory or cognitive pathway triggers an involuntary experience in another pathway. Audio tactile synesthesia is one particular form of synesthesia, where sounds evoke tactile sensations on the skin or throughout the body. Picture feeling the smooth caress of silk as a melodious tune dances through your ears.

Unveiling Audio Tactile Synesthesia

So, what exactly is audio tactile synesthesia? It’s a unique condition where individuals not only hear sound but also physically feel it. When they listen to music or sounds, their senses collide, creating an enchanting union of auditory and tactile experiences. While some people may simply enjoy the melody, those with audio tactile synesthesia get to immerse themselves in a multisensory symphony where each note has a tangible touch.

The Science Behind Audio Tactile Synesthesia

To understand the magic of audio tactile synesthesia, we delve into the science behind it. Researchers have discovered that this synesthetic experience arises from a complex interplay between brain regions responsible for processing sound and touch. When individuals with audio tactile synesthesia listen to music, their brains create cross-connections, allowing sound to activate the areas associated with touch. It’s as if the brain’s sensory pathways throw a colorful party, merging different senses in a dance of perception.

Types of Audio Tactile Synesthesia

Within the realm of audio tactile synesthesia, there are various types of associations between sound and touch. In one form, individuals experience specific tactile sensations when hearing particular sounds or musical notes. For instance, a high-pitched piano note might feel like a gentle tickle on their fingertips, while a deep bass might resonate as a warm, vibrating hum throughout their body. In another variation, sounds can evoke textures, where certain musical pieces or genres elicit sensations like smoothness, roughness, or even patterns on the skin.

Exploring Sensory Symphonies

Audio tactile synesthesia offers a rich symphony of sensory experiences. For some synesthetes, music triggers vivid visual perceptions, where each note manifests as a burst of color or a swirling kaleidoscope. Others feel the music as textures and vibrations, as if their bodies become living instruments resonating with the sounds. It’s a remarkable fusion of senses, where melodies become tangible and soundwaves paint the world in hues.

Noteworthy Cases of Audio Tactile Synesthesia

Throughout history, many notable figures have possessed audio tactile synesthesia, enriching their creative endeavors and leaving lasting impressions. Legendary musicians like Duke Ellington and Pharrell Williams have spoken about their synesthetic experiences, with colors and textures influencing their musical compositions. Renowned artists, such as Wassily Kandinsky and David Hockney, have expressed synesthetic qualities in their visual art, where sound becomes a visual feast of shapes and hues.

Exploring the Link: Synesthesia and Creativity

The intertwining of senses in audio tactile synesthesia has long fascinated researchers and artists alike, raising questions about the link between synesthesia and creativity. Some experts believe that synesthesia may enhance creative thinking by providing unique sensory perspectives and stimulating a broader range of associations. With the ability to perceive music in a multisensory way, synesthetes often bring fresh and unconventional ideas to their artistic endeavors, pushing the boundaries of expression.

The Science of Synesthesia: Current Research

Advances in neuroscience have propelled our understanding of synesthesia. Researchers continue to investigate the brain mechanisms that underlie audio tactile synesthesia, mapping the intricate networks responsible for these remarkable sensory experiences. Through brain imaging techniques and cognitive studies, scientists are uncovering the neural signatures and genetic factors associated with synesthesia, inching closer to unraveling the mysteries of this enchanting phenomenon.

If you have any questions about synesthesia, or want to learn more shoot me a line on the Gram or email: jen at talknerdytome dot com.

Always happy to help.