Its sounds louder?

Question

When i listen to music on my hi-fi (which is connected to my pc)
the sound changes whether my light is on or off.
Its seems that the sound level rises as my light is turned off.
I have a theory that it could be because the light waves interfear with the sound waves.
Therefore if there is no light, then sound will distort less.
But---- you will normally turn off your light in a room when your to go to bed. so is it possible that my brain believes that im going to sleep so it rises my sense? or something similar to this.

I would like to hear what you think~

Answer 1

this is a stretch, but light is heat radiation and actually heats the room slightly. with the light off, and the room cooler, the air particles are closer together and hence the sound travels quicker. Since you're receiving the sound slightly quicker (and hence at a higher intensity) it would appear to be louder. It's the same principle why sound travels faster at night. And yes, i know at night it's quieter so you can hear MORE sounds, so nobody come up with that drivel. the point in question here is how fast the sound travels to you.

Answer 2

Good question! Think I will try it myself.
But when I do I will also use a sound meter and get the decibels.
I suspect that the brain increases it's focus on the auditory when sight is no longer available or limited. It is a survival thing.
See if it gets a little quieter when you turn a torch on and read etc.

Answer 3

The ear is not a good measurement device,very easily fooled. Sound to protect your ears it should not exceed 85dB at 10ft. the normal person cano't detect a level change of less than 3dB. It doesn't sound much,but A increase of 3 dB actually means that the level has doubled.

Answer 4

The sound is able to sneak up on you easier in the dark and surprise your ear drums. This anticipation then heightens your senses and thus the sound sounds louder.

Answer 5

Step away from the bong.