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Yanny vs. Laurel illusion: Here's why we're hearing different words

You aren't crazy. There's an explanation for this audio phenomenon.

Bridget Carey Principal Video Producer
Bridget Carey is an award-winning reporter who helps you level-up your life -- while having a good time geeking out. Her exclusive CNET videos get you behind the scenes as she covers new trends, experiences and quirky gadgets. Her weekly video show, "One More Thing," explores what's new in the world of Apple and what's to come. She started as a reporter at The Miami Herald with syndicated newspaper columns for product reviews and social media advice. Now she's a mom who also stays on top of toy industry trends and robots. (Kids love robots.)
Expertise Consumer technology, Apple, Google, Samsung, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, social media, mobile, robots, future tech, immersive technology, toys, culture Credentials
  • Bridget has spent over 18 years as a consumer tech reporter, hosting daily tech news shows and writing syndicated newspaper columns. She's often a guest on national radio and television stations, including ABC, CBS, CNBC and NBC.
Bridget Carey

Co-workers gather around speakers in disagreement. Relatives choose sides. Friends question reality. 

Another internet mind game has divided us. It's time to get some answers. 

When I first heard the audio trick, I was team "Yanny" all the way. Now, all I hear is "Laurel." After feeling like my brain broke, I reached out to audiologists and linguistic experts. Turns out there are several factors as to why we are hearing different words in this viral sound clip

Watch the video embedded below for a breakdown of the phenomenon, teach yourself to hear the other side, and learn how this nonsense all got started:

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