soundscent

Soundscent is a term that describes the phenomenon of experiencing smells or olfactory sensations in response to auditory stimuli. This cross-modal perception, where one sense influences another, is a form of synesthesia, specifically olfactory-auditory synesthesia. Individuals with soundscent may consistently associate certain sounds or pieces of music with specific odors. For example, a particular musical note might always evoke the smell of cinnamon, or a spoken word could trigger the scent of rain.

The experience of soundscent is highly subjective and varies greatly from person to person. The specific scents associated with particular sounds are not universal and are thought to develop through individual associative learning, personal experiences, and memory. While the exact neurological mechanisms are still being researched, it is believed that there may be atypical connections or cross-activation between the auditory cortex and the olfactory processing areas of the brain.

While synesthesia in general is a recognized neurological phenomenon, soundscent is a less commonly reported or studied form. Research into soundscent aims to understand the underlying brain pathways and the cognitive processes involved in linking sound and smell. It is not considered a disorder, but rather a unique perceptual experience.