Stroking Stimuli to Ear Induces Pleasant Feelings while Listening to Sounds

Abstract

We investigated whether stroking stimuli near the external auditory meatus while listening to sounds enhances pleasant feelings. Previous studies have demonstrated that vibratory stimuli manipulate emotions evoked by watching videos or listening to sounds; however, none have investigated the effects of stroking stimuli near the external auditory meatus through which vagus nerves extend. Participants were exposed to three types of sounds with and without the stroking stimuli to their ears, and selected one stimulus condition that induced intense feelings. When the sound stimuli were presented with the stroking stimuli to the ear, joyful and pleasant feelings were intensified, whereas depressing feelings weakened. Stroking stimulation of the outer ears in combination with sound stimulation was suggested to induce positive feelings.