The brain amplifies internal noise so total silence cannot be perceived

Evidence

We listen so hard, in fact, that our brain no longer allows for the possibility of silence. — George Michelsen Foy, Zero Decibels, 609

Categorization

• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — George Michelsen Foy, Zero Decibels: The Quest for Absolute…, 609
• XREF: connects to: Absolute silence cannot exist because the body always produces sound — George Michelsen Foy, Zero Decibels: The Quest for Absolute…, 234; Silence in art functions as medium for listener’s own creative imagination — George Michelsen Foy, Zero Decibels: The Quest for Absolute…, 242; The brain fabricates phantom sound when expected sensory input is absent — George Michelsen Foy, Zero Decibels: The Quest for Absolute…, 324 (+33 more)

Library Connections

• In sound’s absence the brain amplifies its own internal signals to compensate #corroborates (0.95) — George Michelsen Foy, Zero Decibels, 610
• Near-total silence reveals that most people generate internal sound perceived as tinnitus #exemplifies (0.85) — George Michelsen Foy, Zero Decibels, 571
• In near-total silence a person may hear the mechanics of their own body #exemplifies (0.80) — George Michelsen Foy, Zero Decibels, 578
• Deep silence can feel like a sensory presence rather than mere absence #expands (0.80) — George Michelsen Foy, Zero Decibels, 35

Broader Connections

• The brain’s evolved vigilance actively forecloses the possibility of true silence #qualifies (0.75)
• Total silence can overwhelm the mind as an alien, unbearable presence #expands (0.75) — George Michelsen Foy, Zero Decibels, 222
• Extreme near-total silence can trigger panic, disorientation, and physical illness #expands (0.72) — George Michelsen Foy, Zero Decibels, 474
• The act of hearing itself may make true absolute silence unattainable #qualifies (0.70) — George Michelsen Foy, Zero Decibels, 526