Did you know that sounds we can’t hear could still affect how we feel? A recent study from MacEwan University in Canada explored this idea. It showed that infrasound, which includes very low-frequency sounds below 20 Hz, might influence our mood and stress levels, even if we can’t consciously detect it.
Infrasound can come from natural events like storms or man-made sources like machinery and ventilation systems. This study found that when people were exposed to these low frequencies, they reported feeling more irritable and less interested in music, regardless of whether the music was calming or creepy. Plus, their cortisol levels, a stress hormone, were higher right after exposure.
Thirty-six college students participated in the study. They listened to either soothing meditation music or horror-themed audio while being exposed to infrasound or left without it. Interestingly, participants couldn’t tell if infrasound was present; their guesses were just random.
The research builds on previous findings about infrasound. Earlier studies offered mixed results. Some linked infrasound to feelings of nausea and anxiety, while others found little to no effects. This recent research improved on that by carefully controlling conditions and measuring both psychological and physical responses. It’s a big step forward in understanding how sound shapes our experiences.
Interestingly, this topic is garnering attention beyond academia. In popular discussions, there are claims that infrasound might be linked to the massive data centers powering rapid AI growth. Some voices criticize this idea as pseudoscience, saying fears around infrasound are unfounded.
But the intriguing connection between infrasound and historical events like the Dyatlov Pass incident still holds people’s attention. It was once considered a possible explanation for the strange behavior of hikers who died mysteriously in the snow. Such stories keep the conversation alive about how unseen forces can play a role in human experiences.
Next time you’re in a place that feels uneasy, consider the sounds around you. It might not just be your imagination after all!
For a deeper dive into this topic, check out the original study on Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience.
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