What’s Your Favourite Sound? Survey Reveals Babies Laughing and Waves Crashing are Most Popular

Is there anything more hilarious than the sound of a baby laughing hysterically? According to some new research, the sound of a baby in the middle of a giggling fit is one of our favourite sounds. Yes, really.

A survey commissioned by Drayton Manor Theme Park revealed that aside from a laughing baby, some of our other favourite sounds include rain on windows, crashing waves, bacon sizzling and the glug of a bottle of wine.

But what took the number one spot? Apparently the noise of the sea is the most calming and relaxing of the lot. And, unsurprisingly, the sound of rain lashing against the windows while you’re nice and warm inside came second.

Fireworks, walking on snow or crunchy leaves, popping bubble wrap and cheerful screams from people on a rollercoaster also received some respectable rankings.

The survey of 2,000 people also took a look into the sounds that we absolutely despise. We bet you can guess what held the top spot on this occasion – yes, nails on a chalkboard was right up there. We’re shuddering even thinking about it!

Next came the sound of people being, ahem, ill, followed by the constant high-pitched wail of a car alarm and finally the sound of a dentist’s drill.

The noise from a dripping tap or squeaky shoe also ranked high enough as did the noise of someone trying to learn how to play the violin.

Waves crashing at the beach is one of the most relaxing sounds.

Three quarters of the people surveyed said that they believed that sound is crucial when it comes to building a sense of atmosphere or excitement.

“We can often get so buried in our day-to-day lives that we don’t appreciate the little things in life, so it’s good to see that there are certain sounds we all enjoy,” said Helen Pawley, the General Manager at Drayton Manor.

“Many of the most popular noises aren’t just nice sounds in themselves, but evoke memories of good times or the anticipation of something good to come. Everyone has a memory of a day out or trip to the seaside which can be conjured up by certain sounds, while laughter, whether in adults or children clearly is infectious and good to see in the top ten,” she added.

What’s your favourite noise? Here in the Her.ie office we favour the sound of heels on a wooden floor, a storm outside, the noise associated with cooking and champagne popping.

But what’s the one thing we all love? Well there’s nothing better than a baby in absolute stitches over something. Don’t believe us? Check out this video. We dare you not to laugh!