NTNU Study Ties 2%-4% of Global Hum Cases to Low-Frequency Tinnitus
Updated
Updated · ScienceDaily · Jul 19
NTNU Study Ties 2%-4% of Global Hum Cases to Low-Frequency Tinnitus
1 articles · Updated · ScienceDaily · Jul 19
Summary
A 28-person study in Germany found the strongest explanation for many reports of “The Hum” is low-frequency tinnitus—an internal sound perceived as external rather than a measurable outside source.
Most participants did not show exceptional low-frequency hearing, and tests also failed to detect low-frequency oto-acoustic emissions that might have meant the ear itself was producing an objectively measurable sound.
Only 2 of the 28 had better-than-average hearing at some low frequencies, leaving open that a small minority may detect real external low-frequency noise that others miss.
The phenomenon, reported for decades from Bristol to Taos and elsewhere, affects an estimated 2%-4% of people and is often noticed indoors at night, sometimes with a vibration-like sensation.
Drexl said the findings point to gaps in understanding how humans process 20-250 Hz sound and infrasound, a question that also matters as concern grows over low-frequency noise from technology.