Could audio porn be beneficial for those of us with ADHD?
As porn takes an audio twist, here is why I’m switching on the headphones instead of the video
The ‘sexy’ Audible that provokes the imagination, not just sight
When it comes to porn, it’s never been easier to log on, scroll through and find anything we want online. While it’s an online smut-smorgasbord out there, what do you do, if like many, the visuals just don’t do it for you?
I’m not alone in feeling uneasy about a lot of the porn available today but I still watch. Although, I would love to see better options out there as my neurodivergent brain does not need an excuse to be distracted by awful titles, bad videos, or embarrassing scripts.
I have Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), which means I often struggle with focus and get distracted and overwhelmed easily. This combination makes it very difficult to enjoy porn if I’m not completely engaged with what I’m watching. Basically, it’s impossible to ‘stay in the game’ if my head and heart aren’t in it.
A lot of visual porn is designed to compete with algorithms or for the male gaze and it can be an assault on the senses – especially if you are neurodiverse.
The tide is turning with audio erotica apps. Audio porn sites offer audio clips minus the explicit visuals. You can tailor your experience by selecting preferred gender, kink, or even accent. Think of it as a sexy Audible where it is all down to your filthy imagination.
This is one area where ADHD-ers have an advantage given how many of us are often described as ‘daydreamers.’ Our imaginations are impressively active, which means we don’t have to work too hard at designing our own sexy situations.
The benefits of aural stimulation for neurodiversity
There may be a scientific reason why audio content works better for us neurodivergent people. Some studies around ADHD brains and music therapy suggest it may boost attention and focus while reducing hyperactivity. This could work as a result of music’s ability to increase dopamine production which regulates working memory and attention, and something ADHD people have lower amounts of.
Traditional porn is not designed to be aurally pleasing but relies heavily on the visuals, and coupled with distracting dialogue and overwhelming noises, it can be a lot to process. ADHD people are prone to overstimulation.
Overstimulation is why I wear headphones every time I leave the house as it stops me from feeling overwhelmed. I cannot filter out everything around me like sounds, smells, or textures but music can help me to stay grounded.
When it comes to sex, this lack of a filter from overstimulation is also an issue. I struggle to reach orgasm or stay in the moment because I’m so consumed by everything else. In recent months, audio porn or a well-timed whisper from a partner can bring me back into the room.
There are now multiple audio porn apps available for anyone looking to give audio porn a listen, like Quinn or Ferly. The vast majority of apps and sites are clean, easy to access, and quiet in comparison to their XXX video counterparts with the distracting pop-ups, links, clicks, and flashing videos.
This combined with the ability to choose your own experience including voices that are transgender, non-binary, accented, and more means there is even more chance of finding something that works with you rather than distracting you.
Audio porn is a welcome development, especially where accessibility and inclusion are concerned. Realizing I react better to audio has been a bit of a breakthrough in terms of my own sex life. While it's not to everyone’s taste, I would strongly recommend digging out the headphones, getting cozy, and settling in to listen to a good, sexy story.
Image Sources: Pexels
