The Hum – A Global Low-Frequency Mystery Sound
The Hum is a persistent low-frequency sound heard by a small percentage of people in specific locations worldwide, often strongest at night and indoors.
The Hum is one of the most persistent acoustic mysteries of modern life — a deep, low-frequency vibration heard by only a small percentage of people, yet reported consistently across the world for decades. For those who perceive it, the sound is inescapable: a distant diesel engine idling, a transformer buzz coming from nowhere, or a slow helicopter droning just beyond the edge of hearing. It is strongest at night, often indoors, and famously difficult — sometimes impossible — to record.
Unlike short-lived sky booms or atmospheric explosions, The Hum is a chronic phenomenon. It can last days, weeks, months, or years. Entire towns have documented outbreaks: the Taos Hum in New Mexico, the Windsor Hum in Ontario, the Bristol Hum in the UK, and dozens more in North America, Europe, and Oceania. No single cause has ever been universally identified, yet the reports share striking similarities: a frequency range typically between 30–80 Hz, a geographic clustering, and a strong psychological impact on those affected.
Scientists and engineers have proposed multiple explanations — some mundane, some extraordinary. Potential sources include industrial motors, ventilation systems, power distribution lines, gas pipelines, distant mining activity, ocean microseisms, or atmospheric resonance. Others point to infrasound, geological vibrations, or environmental standing waves that selectively affect certain dwellings or regions.
A minority of cases may stem from otoacoustic emissions, in which the ear itself generates internal low-frequency noise.
Despite many investigations, The Hum remains unresolved. In some cases it may be linked to external low-frequency energy in a specific location; in others it may overlap with tinnitus or other internal ear phenomena. That mix of acoustics, geology, infrastructure, and perception is exactly why The Hum is so hard to “solve.”
This hub brings together the world’s best-documented Hum events, scientific theories, eyewitness reports, and investigative tools. Whether you are trying to identify a hum in your own home or exploring global patterns behind this unusual acoustic anomaly, this page provides the core research and resources you need.
- The Hum = real reports + (in some hotspots) real low-frequency measurements; no universal source.
- Typical features: low drone (often 30–80 Hz), louder at night/indoors, strongest in quiet suburbs, hard to record on phones.
- Who hears it: only a small % of people in “Hum zones” (often middle-aged/older)—neighbors may hear nothing.
- Suspects: industrial LFN, building/room resonance, micro-seismic coupling, power infrastructure, psychoacoustics, EM hypotheses.
- What to do: time it, map it, test power-off indoors, record with a good mic, check our case guides, and send us a report.
❓ What Is “The Hum”?
A persistent low-frequency droning heard by some—but not all—people in specific areas.
Many report it’s stronger at night, indoors, and in certain rooms or vehicles.
It may fade for months, then return without warning.
🔊 How It Sounds & Feels
- Like a distant idling engine, transformer buzz, or slow helicopter heard through walls.
- More noticeable in quiet rooms, at night, and when trying to sleep.
- Some perceive vibration/pressure (chest, ears, skull) as much as sound.
- Phone mics often miss it; better captured with dedicated low-frequency recorders.
👂 Who Can Hear It?
- Only a small percentage in affected zones—often estimated around ~2%.
- Reported more by adults 55–70+, but younger hearers exist.
- Two people in the same house may disagree: one tormented, the other hears nothing.
🗺️ Where It’s Reported (Selected Cases)
- Taos, New Mexico (USA) — investigated in the 1990s; no single source found.
- Bristol & Leeds (UK) — hundreds of reports since the 1970s.
- The Manchester Hum (UK) — also known as the Beetham Tower Howl.
- The One World Trade Center Hum — another example of wind resonance.
- Kerry County (Ireland) — investigated but still unexplained.
- Windsor, Ontario (Canada) — industrial links suggested; intermittent.
- Kokomo, Indiana (USA) — industrial fans implicated; some reports persisted.
- Auckland & Wellington (New Zealand) — recurring complaints across suburbs.
🧠 Possible Causes (None Explain All)
- Industrial low-frequency noise (LFN): compressors, fans, pumps, pipelines, transformers; sometimes intermittent or night-shift only.
- Building & room resonance: structures can amplify bass, turning faint outdoor energy into an indoor drone.
- Micro-seismic & environmental coupling: distant surf, wind farms, or micro-tremor transferring energy into cavities/rooms.
- Power & infrastructure: substations, HV lines, ground loops, or poorly isolated equipment.
- Psychoacoustics/tinnitus: in some cases an internal origin; however, external LFN has been recorded at documented hotspots.
- EM hypotheses: controversial ideas about electromagnetic exposure interacting with biology—unproven but frequently discussed.
Bottom line: multiple mechanisms likely; “The Hum” is a syndrome, not one sound.
Learn here why sounds can travel so far.
🕵️ How We Investigate a Suspected Hum
- Time & pattern: log hh:mm:ss, day of week, weather, and room/position. Is it night-only?
- Power test: safely flip mains off (if possible) for 2–3 minutes—does it vanish? Try circuits/appliances one by one.
- Move & map: different rooms, car, outside, other addresses. Note where it’s strongest/weakest.
- Record: use a recorder with good low-end response (phones often roll off < 50–80 Hz).
- Check context: industrial hours, HVAC cycles, nearby substations, construction, shipping/rail corridors.
- Report it: share time/location/recordings via our contact form.
🧰 Coping Tips (Practical, Not Perfect)
- Sound masking: broadband/“brown noise,” fan or air purifier, low-volume music.
- Isolation: seal gaps, add soft furnishings, decouple bed from walls/floor, experiment with room changes.
- HVAC & appliances: locate and damp home sources; service/noise-isolate vibrating units.
- Health check: if constant, rule out tinnitus or medical causes with a clinician.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Hum
Is The Hum a real phenomenon?
Yes. While only a small percentage of people hear it, The Hum has been documented in dozens of locations worldwide and studied by acoustic engineers, governments, and universities.
What does The Hum typically sound like?
Most describe it as a distant engine, low-frequency drone, electrical transformer buzz, or pulsing vibration. It is usually strongest indoors and at night.
Why can only some people hear The Hum?
The leading theories include individual sensitivity to low-frequency sound, ear-generated sounds (otoacoustic emissions), or the possibility that only certain homes resonate at the right frequency.
Can The Hum be recorded?
Often, no. Many reports fall below the threshold of typical microphones, but some cases have produced measurable low-frequency data using specialized equipment.
Is The Hum dangerous?
There is no evidence of physical harm, but the constant vibration can cause sleep disruption, anxiety, or stress for some people.
What causes The Hum?
Multiple factors may contribute: industrial equipment, gas pipelines, atmospheric resonance, geological vibrations, infrasound, or even biological mechanisms inside the ear. No single explanation covers all cases.
Sources & Further Reading
- Taos Hum (case file)
- Bristol & Leeds Hums (UK)
- The Manchester Hum (UK)
- The One World Trade Center Hum
- Kerry County Hum (Ireland)
- Windsor Hum (Canada)
- Kokomo Hum (USA)
- All Hum articles (category)
Latest Hum Reports
- 🧭 All Hum articles (category)
- 🧭 Related hubs: Earthquake Booms & Seneca Guns · Mistpouffers (Fog Guns) · Meteor Booms & Skyquakes
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- 📩 Report a Hum (time, location, indoors/outdoors, recordings).
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