THE IMPACT OF MUNDANE SOUNDS ON PTSD

With 4 out of 5 PTSD episodes being triggered by sounds*, noises from the

simplest and most mundane, everyday items such as vacuum cleaners, and electric razors take them back to their trauma.

While for many, these sounds may evoke familiar feelings of home, comfort, and joy, for millions of victims affected by war, these everyday sounds are PTSD triggers, that take them back to traumatic moments or the past.

83% OF NGOs STRUGGLE TO SECURE CONTINUOUS FUNDING

While several NGOs provide aid, sustaining funds is a recurring challenge, making it even harder for victims to get access to help.

Sixieme Son, one of the world’s leading sound design companies aimed to use their credentials and expertise to harness the meaningful power of sounds, tackle sonic trauma, and support those affected by war.

*source: Biomed Central

Sound Affects

The world’s first sound effects library that converts royalty rights into reparation rights

To support NGOs dedicated to assisting trauma survivors, Sixieme Son used foley techniques to create a library of sound effects made from everyday items.

With an array of sounds ranging from gunshots to explosions, sirens, and helicopter whirs, the collection is ideal for frequent users of sound effects clips in entertainment, advertising, and audio-visual productions.

Behind each sound, was a real story of trauma like Ferhana’s, a refugee from Kabul, who finds that the hum of her aunt’s sewing machine triggers memories of tanks tearing through her neighborhood. By purchasing that track, buyers could directly support her and others like her.

The Sound Affects collection is available at soundafx.me, with 100% of proceeds being directed to trauma reparation, establishing a sustainable and long-lasting donation mechanic for NGOs dedicated to helping victims around the world.

The PR strategy was rooted in the insight that the emotional weight of PTSD in conflict victims is often overshadowed by more visible issues. The key message centered on transforming the familiar into a force for healing, emphasizing that each sound effect carries a story of survival and resilience.

The target audience was twofold: First, media and entertainment professionals who regularly utilize sound libraries, positioning them as key contributors to the cause. Second, a broader demographic of socially conscious consumers and organizations who value ethical purchases and could be galvanized by the campaign's innovative approach.

Assets were created with compelling storytelling at their core, each sound accompanied by the narrative of the individual it represented. These assets were distributed through targeted channels to reach industry professionals, coupled with a wider media outreach to engage the general public and relevant NGOs, maximizing both reach and impact.

Using foley techniques, we created a library of sound effects exclusively from everyday items that mimicked PTSD triggers. Each sound reflected a real story of a traumatic experience.

Out of respect for the victims who shared their stories, every detail of each soundtrack was carefully crafted, taking into consideration their descriptions of exactly what occurred in the events they described.

And just like that, a sewing machine became a passing tank, a water stream transformed into an explosion, bubble wrap mimicked gunshots, and traumas that caused pain became a form of healing for those who suffered.

A highly targeted campaign invited media, entertainment, and production communities to our library, where they could download the sounds, with 100% of proceeds directed to NGOs supporting PTSD victims from conflict zones.

By choosing Sound Affects, buyers could not only enhance their creative projects but also contribute to the healing journeys of PTSD victims.

In just two weeks, our sound waves made ripples everywhere:

85% response rate

58 media mentions

1.5M$ earned media

78% Donation consideration