Study of 36 People Links 18 Hz Infrasound to Higher Cortisol as “Haunted” Feelings Gain Clue
Updated
Updated · SciTechDaily · May 10
Study of 36 People Links 18 Hz Infrasound to Higher Cortisol as “Haunted” Feelings Gain Clue
7 articles · Updated · SciTechDaily · May 10
Thirty-six participants exposed to hidden 18 Hz infrasound showed higher salivary cortisol and reported more irritability, less interest and sadder impressions of music after a brief lab session.
Half the group heard music while concealed subwoofers emitted the low-frequency sound, yet participants could not reliably tell when infrasound was present and their beliefs about it did not change the results.
Researchers said the findings suggest humans can react physiologically to inaudible sound from sources such as ventilation systems, traffic and industrial machinery, offering a non-supernatural explanation for discomfort in some “haunted” places.
The team called the study a first step, noting it tested only one frequency and a small sample; larger studies are needed to assess longer exposures, health risks and possible implications for building design or noise rules.
If inaudible sounds can secretly raise your stress, what else in your environment is affecting you?
Could the ghost haunting your house just be a sound you can't even hear?