Does listening to the sound of yourself chewing increase your enjoyment of food?
BACKGROUND
Anecdotal evidence suggests that listening to oneself eating results in a more pleasurable eating experience. Maximising the sensory experience of eating can result in increased oral intake and is potentially valuable in improving nutritional status in at-risk patients.


OBJECTIVE
This pilot study investigates the association between listening to the sound of oneself eating and the consequences on enjoyment of eating.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized, controlled, cross-over trial of 10 fit, adult volunteers. Participants were timed eating a standardised amount of bread, and were randomized to eat in silence or whilst listening to their own amplified chewing and swallowing. Measurements of pulse and blood pressure were recorded throughout the procedure. Subjective pleasure scores were documented and the procedure repeated in the alternate study arm.


RESULTS
There was no significant relationship demonstrated between listening to oneself chewing and the enjoyment of eating.


CONCLUSIONS
Although this small pilot study was unable to demonstrate a significant relationship between listening to oneself chewing and enjoyment of eating, other evidence suggests that distraction techniques have a beneficial effect on dietary intake. Such techniques can be applied in a clinical setting and further work in this area has valuable potential.
Amos
Kirsty E
KE
Under the Auspices of the Master of Science in the Speech and Swallowing Research Course, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. K.E.Amos1@ncl.ac.uk
Anari
Shahram
S
Buswell
Charlotte A
CA
McNeill
Emma J
EJ
Printza
Athanasia
A
Ray
Stephen J
SJ
Rustom
Isam
I