Scientists Get “Kraken” On Hearing Abilities of Squid

A new study, conducted by marine biologist T. Aran Mooney of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI), has revealed the ability of squid to hear and process low frequency sounds underwater.

Dr. Mooney measured the nerve signal response of the Squid's statocysts -specialized organs found in several other marine invertebrates used for balance- when exposed to various sounds in a controlled environment. 

Unlike humans, whose hearing is founded on the pressure changes of sound waves, the study revealed the squid's statocysts actually sense the motion of the sound waves. 

“They are detecting themselves moving back and forth with the sound wave," says Dr. Mooney. Comparing the system to a piece of fruit floating in a cup of Jell-O, he explains, "if you jiggle the Jell-O, the whole block of Jell-O is moving with the fruit."

So what's the big deal about this recent discovery? Dr. Mooney remains guardedly optimistic that his research may one day better our understanding of human hearing.

"The idea is maybe if these guys do have a primitive sense of hearing can we use them as a model to understand the foundation of hearing or how hearing is lost," proposes Dr. Mooney. 

It is only a matter of time before scientists figure a way to improve hearing using the squid's sensory abilities. 

I'd bet a few s-quid on it.