A recent study reveals that inaudible sounds, specifically infrasound (low-frequency sound below 20 hertz), can significantly influence human emotions and perceptions. Researchers found that exposure to infrasound can lead to feelings of irritation, disconnection, and a tendency to perceive sounds as sad, while also increasing cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone. The intriguing aspect of this phenomenon is that participants were often unaware of the infrasound, suggesting that our bodies can react to stimuli even before our minds register them.
This type of inaudible sound is commonly emitted by older heating systems, such as boilers, which may contribute to the eerie sensations reported in many old houses.
Understanding Infrasound
All homes produce sounds, from creaking walls to the hum of appliances. While many of these noises go unnoticed, they can still have a profound impact on our well-being. The study conducted by researchers at the University of Alberta involved 36 participants, primarily women aged around 23. They were divided into groups exposed to different audio conditions: calming music with and without infrasound, and unsettling music with and without infrasound. Each condition lasted just under five minutes.
Following exposure, participants reported increased irritability and a diminished interest in the music played, alongside a rise in their salivary cortisol levels. This suggests that even when infrasound is not consciously perceived, it can still induce a subtle shift towards stress and discomfort.
Connecting the Dots
The study, published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, posits that infrasound could act as an environmental irritant, creating an atmosphere of unease, similar to feelings experienced in so-called haunted locations. Professor Rodney Schmaltz, a psychologist at MacEwan University, noted that infrasound might manifest as a vague discomfort that could be misinterpreted as paranormal activity, especially in individuals predisposed to such beliefs.
While the study did not directly investigate haunted houses or their heating systems, it raises fascinating questions about the sensory experiences associated with older homes. The researchers suggest that further studies should focus on actual building sounds and include longer exposure times to better understand the effects of infrasound on human psychology.
For those who feel uneasy in older homes, this research offers a scientific perspective on the sensations they may experience. Rather than attributing these feelings to ghosts, one might consider the potential impact of infrasound.
