A sneeze is a rapid, involuntary expulsion of air from the lungs, usually triggered by irritants in the nasal passages. While this reflex is a necessary defense, the resulting burst of sound can be disruptive in quiet public or professional settings. The goal of a quieter sneeze is not to stop the reflex entirely, which can be harmful, but to safely mitigate the accompanying noise.
The Physiological Reason Sneezes Are Loud
The volume of a sneeze is a direct consequence of the physics involved in its protective function. When an irritant is detected, the body takes a deep, rapid breath to maximize air volume in the lungs. Next, the chest and abdominal muscles contract forcefully against a closed airway, rapidly building immense pulmonary pressure.
This pressure is then explosively released as the airway opens, ejecting air and mucus at a tremendous velocity. The sheer force of this gush of air vibrating the vocal cords produces the characteristic sound. The volume of air expelled and the anatomy of an individual’s nasal and oral passages influence the final loudness and pitch of the sound wave.
Actionable Techniques for Reducing Sneeze Volume
Reducing the sound of a sneeze requires conscious preparation the moment the reflex is felt, focusing on controlling the air’s release. One effective method is controlling the pre-sneeze inhalation. By avoiding a large gasp of air, you decrease the total volume of air available to be expelled, which limits the pressure buildup.
Another technique involves managing the expulsion itself by gently exhaling just before the final blast. This action, sometimes referred to as “bleeding the balloon,” releases a small amount of pressure prematurely, allowing the subsequent sneeze to flow out with less explosive force. You should aim to relax your throat and vocal cords, allowing the air to pass through like a deep sigh rather than a sudden, constricted burst.
The use of materials to absorb the sound wave is also highly effective. Instead of sneezing into bare hands, using the crook of your inner elbow, often called the “Dracula method,” provides a layer of clothing and flesh to dampen the noise. A thick handkerchief or a folded tissue held loosely over the nose and mouth offers superior sound absorption compared to a single-ply tissue.
Specific oral positioning can also help redirect the air and soften the sound. Try pressing your tongue lightly against the roof of your mouth, just behind your front teeth, to encourage airflow to exit more through the nasal passages. Clenching your teeth and jaw slightly while keeping the lips marginally parted can help muffle the sound without completely obstructing the airflow.
Warning Against Full Suppression
While quieting a sneeze is a safe practice, attempting to stop the reflex completely poses a risk of injury. Full suppression involves forcibly closing the mouth and pinching the nostrils shut, sealing the entire upper airway. This action prevents the powerful, pressurized air from escaping the body.
When the air cannot be released, the pressure is redirected internally to other connected cavities. This sudden increase in internal pressure can be substantial, sometimes rising 5 to 24 times higher than during a normal sneeze. The redirected force may cause air to be violently forced into the Eustachian tubes, which connect the back of the nose to the middle ear.
This intense pressure can result in a ruptured eardrum, leading to temporary hearing loss and infection. The force has been known to cause rupture of blood vessels in the eyes or face, resulting in visible bruising. Isolated medical reports also document damage to the throat tissue and fractured ribs from the contained force of a completely suppressed sneeze.