Taste, which has yet to be fully investigated, seems to play a relatively minor role in human sexual arousal. This is no doubt at least partly influenced by industry advertisements that promote breath mints and flavored vaginal douches. Besides making many individuals extremely self-conscious about how they taste or smell, such commercial products can mask any natural tastes that relate to sexual activity. Nevertheless, some people can still detect and appreciate certain tastes that they learn to associate with sexual intimacy, such as the taste of vaginal secretions or semen.
Hearing
Whether people make sounds during sexual activity is highly variable, as is a partner’s response. Some people find words, intimate or erotic conversation, moans, and orgasmic cries to be highly arousing; others prefer that their lovers keep silent during sex play. Some people, out of fear or embarrassment, make a conscious effort to suppress spontaneous noises during sexual interaction. Because of the silent, stoic image accepted by many males, it may be exceedingly difficult for men in particular to talk, cry out, or groan during arousal. Female reluctance to emit sounds during sex play might be influenced by the notion that "nice" women are not supposed to be so passionate that they make noises.
Besides being sexually arousing, talking to each other during a sexual interlude can be informative and helpful ("I like it when you touch me that way," "A little softer," and so on). If you happen to be a person who enjoys noisemaking and verbalizations during sex, your partner may respond this way if you discuss the matter beforehand. We will discuss talking about sexual preferences in Chapter 7.
Two people describe how sounds affect their lovemaking: