Again and again, some very peculiar studies are published about the polarity between male and female voices. Sometimes it is probably just individual aspects that appeal to the audience that are picked out and misrepresented. For example, most newspaper marginal notes with headlines such as "deep male voices are sexy" or "high female voices are love killers" are simply poorly researched or well invented.

Do men not perceive shrill women's sounds as a voice at all and therefore do not react to them? At least not in the way women would like it to be? The fact is that the brain needs about a quarter of a second to understand words. But this intermediate period is used in the best possible way – the brain analyzes in advance where the sound comes from, whether it threatens, whether it is familiar, attractively inviting, sympathetic – and whether this tone is aimed at me.

Back to the shrill female tones. Can they be overheard? Acoustically speaking, hardly. However, if the sound is reminiscent of a reproachful "Have you not done your homework again?!!" often heard as a child, it can happen that strong filters of perception are activated. One simply ignores the accusation.

Which tone of voice responds reliably? "Eigenton" is what voice experts call this magical sound. In every good conversation, this nuance of voice can be heard. When the conversation takes place "at eye level" and not a relationship role, but the adult counterpart is addressed.