Definitely a solid base to test this!
I think down the line, having audio prompts during the transition such as doors opening, footsteps approaching, or drawers being rustled through can be the cue that players have to listen for, maybe as the game goes on there's more moaning you have to try and hear the prompts through, this would also increase the difficulty as the game goes on. I feel like that would really sell the effect that this is going for. :)
Checking around the corner can be a secondary, more
guaranteed check that would act to be a slight "punishment" to the player for missing/not hearing the sound cue.