Generally speaking, frequencies below 20 hz and above 20 khz are not audible, but can high enough amplitude of these frequencies damage our hearing?
In: Biology
I saw a TV programme where they did a test of the “brown note” and subjected someone to a 4 Hz frequency at high amplitude. Basically massive speakers with a lot of energy driving them. The sound engineer in charge was insistent that everyone wear these big hefty ear muffs to protect their ears because, even though the sound is in audible, it would still cause damage at that amplitude.
In short, a 4 Hz “sound” is moving pressure waves, and high amplitude means a greater difference in pressure between the peaks and troughs of the wave. Your ears are sensitive to changes in pressure, so these “loud” inaudible frequencies would still cause inner ear pain and damage.
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