Cringing to high-frequency sounds may be a hardwired reflex to protect the auditory system.

“Is the relationship between our cringing, our physical cringing, and these high-frequency sounds, is that a pain offset mechanism? You know, in other words, in the visual system, if you just show someone a really bright light, they'll raise their hands. - Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. - They'll turn away. - Mm-hmm. - It's to protect their retinas. - Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. - And it's a reflex. - Yes. Mm-hmm.”