ABSTRACT

Experience is the knowledge acquired from the environment as a result of continuous interactions with events, objects, and subjects. Hearing is one of the most important senses in experience acquisition. Audio is characterized by active processing, so attention, arousal, and memory are mostly led by audio features. In other words, sound helps us to comprehend the surrounding environment, experience lively emotions, and engage in events. This chapter presents a comprehensive, up-to-date framework for how audio experiences can be used strategically for communication purposes. First, we describe audio perception and processing. Previous research has evidenced the unique capacity of audio to create atmosphere, and to stimulate mental imagery and emotions. Secondly, we conceptualize and characterize the different audio features—voice, music, effects, and silence. Third, we explore the different fields and formats where audio is used as an experience.