Scientists saying 'ow' and being vocal does help us tolerate pain. From birth, we instinctively yelp whenever we are hurt. Now, scientists say there is a reason behind our spontaneous groans as being vocal helps us tolerate pain. In a study, 56 people were asked to immerse their hands in painfully cold water.

Does yelling reduce pain?

Dr Peter Calafiura, an American psychiatrist, says, “Yelling might trigger some endorphins, a natural high. They might feel calm, and it might even be a little addictive. It's really similar to a runner's high.

Why do people say ow when not hurt?

Like vocalizing, button pressing increased the duration of hand immersion, and this increase was positively correlated with the vocalizing effect. Hearing one's own or another person's “ow” was not analgesic. Together, these results provide first evidence that vocalizing helps individuals cope with pain.