By now, you probably know that there’s a plethora of ways to get off. And while using your own devices, sex toys, reading erotica or watching porn are some of the most common, audio porn has been on the rise as of late. But with all the buzz surrounding it, I can’t help but wonder: Can listening to audio porn really improve your sex life?
Make no mistake: Healthy sexual exploration and self-pleasure is really, really good for you. However, I wanted to get the DL on all things audio porn. Which is why I tapped Angie Rowntree, the Founder and Director of award-winning ethical porn site Sssh.com, for her insight.
Regardless of where you are on your sexual wellness journey, Rowntree’s expert insight can help you get more in touch with yourself and what you like. Keep scrolling to learn more.
MEET THE EXPERT
Angie Rowntree
Angie Rowntree is the Founder and Director of Sssh.com, an award-winning and ethical porn site with content made from a woman’s perspective. Founded in 1999, the platform has a signature internal survey to capture the desires of its members and create content based on them. Now, 25 years later, Sssh.com is the premier destination for sex-positive erotic content for women and couples. The site also has an extensive library of erotic and audioerotic content, a virtual porn world, member confessions, sex toy and porn pairings, and educational sexual wellness articles.
Can audio porn really improve your sex life?
TL;DR: Absolutely. After all, self-pleasure is an important part of a healthy sex life, and how you choose to please yourself is totally up to you. Rowntree explained that nowadays, there are some amazing options for ethical porn films, but there are also other exciting mediums through which to explore erotic content so you can get to know yourself better and what you want in the bedroom. And for some people, audio porn is it.
The benefits of listening to audio porn
If you think audio erotica is just like books on tape, Rowntree says to think again. For starters, it’s just as varied as film but also has the convenience of being more portable and discreet. Likewise, it gives you the freedom to use your imagination. “Audio porn content can really appeal to those who want to explore their fantasies beyond the constraints of a screen,” Rowntree explained. “It is also a wonderful way to explore fantasies if you don’t necessarily feel comfortable watching porn—and that’s OK too! Everyone is different.”
Furthermore, audio porn can also appeal to those who love and respond strongly to ASMR. Using a platform like Sssh can help create a sensory experience you can fully get into and enjoy; it makes the whole experience euphoric. For starters, you can also try looking up “ASMR sex sounds” on YouTube to find out what you like.
Popular genres of audio porn
Curious to explore the wonderful world of audio porn? I don’t blame you. Below, Rowntree’s broken down the most popular genres Sssh members are loving RN and why. Listen to these if you want to get in the mood to get it on or need a release.
1. Stories with more than one voice
When it comes to fantasy narrators, the more the merrier. “Our members love when we give them audio content with different voices,” Rowntree said. She then went on to say that this helps the audience better visualize the characters in the scene and also adds an extra layer to the dialogue; and this layer helps build arousal and tension, which makes the climax sound more authentic (for everyone).
Stories to listen to on Sssh: “Three Nights,” “The Problem With Mistletoe”
2. Ambient audioscapes
Ambient audioscapes refer to things like the sound of rain, footsteps, doors opening, etc. And Rowntree explained that these sounds only enhance what your imagination’s already doing and further set the mood.
Stories to listen to on Sssh: “Forbidden.” “On Display”
3. Virtual boyfriends
“‘The Boyfriend Experience’ on Sssh.com is a new ASMR audio roleplay series that is already spiking in popularity,” Rowntree said. “It provides listeners with an immersive and intimate experience of being with a caring and attentive partner.” She then went on to say that each episode takes listeners through a range of sensory experiences; and the sounds, dialogue, and narration are designed to to create a realistic and engaging experience.
Rowntree explained to me that this series was launched to give Sssh fans content that goes beyond sex and helps them explore other forms of intimacy that inspire feelings of connection. “In each episode, a man is speaking to the listener, paying personal attention, and helping the listener relax, etc.,” she said. “Again, it is non-sexual—but of course, the brain is the largest erogenous zone, and sometimes the most innocent sparks in our imagination can lead to some hot passion.”
Stories to listen to on Sssh: “The Boyfriend Experience”
4. Guided masturbation
Sometimes, it’s nice to be told what to do. “With Guided Masturbation, you get the hot combination of a narrative story and are invited to be part of the action, as the narrator gives you sexy instructions for self-pleasure and exploration throughout,” Rowntree said. “Guided Masturbation is having a “moment”—not because it is necessarily “new,” but it’s new to most audiences who have never encountered a medium that blends imaginative stories with interactive erotic fun.”
Stories to listen to on Sssh: “Forbidden,” “Fireside Oral,” “At The Club”
5. Sci-fi and fantasy
If you have any steamy fantastical fantasies, audio porn can help you imagine them without the corny CGI, bad wigs, and botched makeup. According to Rowntree, the need to escape from the stress and drama of the real world is stronger than ever, and Sssh is seeing more and more members gravitate towards the science fiction, fantasy, and historical fantasy genres.
Stories to listen to on Sssh: “2118,” “The Oracles Price”
