Most people can't stand the sound of fingernails scraping across a blackboard. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. If you're ...

Some sounds just so excruciating. Researchers put volunteers to a listening test and found 2 factors at work: knowing where the sound is coming from and the unfortunate design of our ear canals.

Robert Siegel talks to Michael Oehler, a professor at the University of Media and Communication in Cologne, Germany, about why people find the sound of fingernails on a chalkboard so irritating.

Rounding out this noisome top ten includes our fingernails on the chalkboard, a female screaming, ananglegrinder, squealing brakes, a crying baby and an electric drill.

Why the Sound of Fingernails on a Chalkboard Drives You Freaking Nuts! The worst noise in the world, explained. by T.E. Holt, M.D. Published: Dec 28, 2014 8:48 AM EST. Media Platforms Design Team.

Just thinking about the unnerving sound of nails on a chalkboard is enough to send shivers down your spine. Scientists have long been puzzled as to why the screeching sound made by fingernails ...