Why people often cup their hands behind their ears in order to hear quiet sounds more easily?

People cup their hands behind their ears to amplify sound waves and direct them into the ear canal, effectively increasing the volume of quieter sounds. This action also helps to reduce background noise by focusing on the desired sound source, enhancing auditory clarity. The shape of the hands creates a funnel effect, which can improve sound reception in a noisy environment. Overall, it’s a simple and instinctive technique to improve hearing in challenging acoustic situations.