Update 6:10am: I decided to lookup through the Bing Chatbot what are considered high levels of low frequency noise and it didn’t disappoint. If you notice in my recording when I am not speaking, look at how high in decibel range are the frequencies under 125hz. Each of these frequencies can resonate with some part of the body and depending on the decibel level of the frequency can either heal or destroy. Here’s the results from the chatbot:
There is no definitive answer to what is considered high levels of low frequency noise, as different sources may have different criteria and thresholds. However, some general factors that may influence the perception and impact of low frequency noise are:
- The sound pressure level (SPL) of the noise, which is measured in decibels (dB). The higher the SPL, the louder the noise. For example, a normal conversation is about 60 dB, while a jet engine is about 140 dB.
- The frequency spectrum of the noise, which is measured in hertz (Hz). The lower the frequency, the longer the wavelength and the more penetrating the noise. For example, a 31.5 Hz sound wave has a wavelength of about 35 feet, while a 8000 Hz sound wave has a wavelength of about 1.65 inches.
- The duration and variability of the noise, which affect how long and how often the noise is present. For example, a continuous noise may be more annoying than an intermittent noise, and a fluctuating noise may be more noticeable than a steady noise.
- The background noise level and masking effect, which determine how much the low frequency noise stands out from other sounds in the environment. For example, a low frequency noise may be more audible in a quiet rural area than in a noisy urban area, where other sounds may mask it.
- The individual sensitivity and tolerance of the listener, which depend on personal factors such as age, hearing ability, health condition, mood, attitude, and expectation. For example, some people may be more sensitive or bothered by low frequency noise than others.
According to some sources¹⁴, low frequency noise can be considered problematic when it exceeds certain SPL thresholds at certain frequencies. For example, one source⁴ suggests that low frequency noise can cause annoyance when it exceeds 50 dB at 31.5 Hz or 70 dB at 125 Hz. Another source¹ suggests that low frequency noise can cause health effects when it exceeds 60 dB at 20 Hz or 80 dB at 100 Hz. However, these thresholds are not universally accepted or applied, and they may vary depending on the context and the source of the noise. Therefore, it is important to consult with relevant authorities and experts when dealing with low frequency noise issues.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 6/1/2023
(1) A Guide to Low Frequency Noise | Merford. https://www.merford.com/en/news/a-guide-to-low-frequency-noise.
(2) Low, Mid, and High Frequency Sounds and their Effects - Second Skin Audio. https://www.secondskinaudio.com/acoustics/low-vs-high-frequency-sound/.
(3) High, Middle and Low-Frequency Noise | Types of Sounds - Soundproof Cow. https://www.soundproofcow.com/difference-high-middle-low-frequency-noise/.
(4) Infrasound - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrasound.
(5) 9 Effective Ways to Block Out Low-Frequency Noise ... - Soundproofly. https://soundproofly.com/how-to-block-out-low-frequency-noise/.
