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The Hum
Since the 1970s, people worldwide have reported hearing a persistent low-frequency humming sound that others can't hear. The Taos Hum in New Mexico is most famous. Only 2-4% of people in affected areas can hear it. No definitive source has ever been identified.
1970 - Present
Worldwide
10000+ witnesses
A sound that drives some people mad—and doesn’t exist for others.
The Phenomenon
What hearers experience:
- Low-frequency hum
- Diesel engine-like sound
- Worse indoors
- Worse at night
- Cannot be blocked
Famous Locations
Hotspots:
- Taos, New Mexico
- Bristol, England
- Windsor, Ontario
- Kokomo, Indiana
- Auckland, New Zealand
Who Hears It
The hearers:
- Only 2-4% of population
- Often middle-aged
- Causes distress
- Sleep disruption
- Some driven to suicide
Proposed Causes
Theories:
- Industrial equipment
- Submarine communications
- Geological activity
- Tinnitus variant
- Power grid resonance
Investigations
Scientific studies:
- No single source found
- Multiple possible causes
- Different in each location
- Some industrial sources found
- Others remain mysterious
The Impact
On sufferers:
- Chronic sleep deprivation
- Mental health effects
- Forced relocations
- Support groups formed
- No cure exists