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Some people hear a low hum that no microphone picks up.

UnexplainedDebated

In places like Taos in New Mexico and Bristol in England, a small share of people report a constant low droning sound, like a distant engine. Many others nearby hear nothing. The cause is still unknown.

Truth label: Debated. Serious people disagree. You get both sides.

Go deeper

Possible causes

Ideas include industrial machinery, ocean waves shaking the seabed, and the ear producing its own sound.

Real distress

Whatever its source, those who hear it can find it disturbing and sleep-robbing.

Learn

  1. Why it is hard to study. If only some people hear it and equipment does not, it may be partly in how individual ears and brains work.

Test yourself

Do recording devices pick up the Hum?

Usually not. In most cases, it has not been recorded.

Sources

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