Sound Can Make You Sick?
By Randi Morse
Sometimes it feels like just about anything can get you sick during this time of the year. That's one reason why places such as grocery stores offer antibacterial wipes to help prevent the spreading of viruses. As a society, we are pretty accustomed to knowing that we put ourselves at risk of contracting viruses or bugs. But did you know that sound may cause you to feel ill?
All About Infrasound
Infrasonic sound is different than most regular sounds. Infrasonic sound is defined as a sound that registers under 20 Hz. To give an idea of how low this is, infrasonic sound can be found in things like earthquakes, ocean waves, and lightning. There are even some animals that use infrasonic sound to communicate with each other, such as whales, giraffes, alligators, and elephants. Infrasound has been proven to have some strange effects on the human body. It can cause symptoms like:
- Fatigue
- Tinnitus
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Abdominal pressure
Why Does It Work?
Why does infrasound affect us so strongly and strangely? The wavelength of infrasound is longer and more bendy, which enables it to do things that traditional sound can't. For example, it can create what's known as an oscillating pressure system. This type of system can put gas in your lungs and can cause tissue to stretch and shrink. It can cause involuntary contractions of muscles and muscle fatigue. It can even reduce the performance capabilities of motor functions.
Have I Ever Experienced It?
If you think you have never experienced infrasound, you're probably wrong. The effects of infrasound have been known for years, and certain people have made excellent use of its amazing capabilities. Many haunted houses use infrasound to make their customers feel nervous and uneasy. Even horror movies may have infrasound playing in the background. But how would you know infrasound is involved in what you're listening to? Unless you have an amazing pair of headphones, you probably won't.
So, the next time you're not feeling well, and you don't have any explanations as to why, think about where you are and what you are watching. If you're watching a horror movie, or if you are in some sort of a spooky haunted house, there's a very good chance that the illness you feel is due to infrasound. So this Halloween season, don't allow simple sound to spook you too much.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in The Woodlands, Tex.