The Taos Hum

a specific instance of a global phenomenon known as "The Hum,"

The Taos Hum is a specific instance of a global phenomenon known as "The Hum," a low-frequency, persistent droning or humming noise heard by only a small percentage of the population in and around Taos, New Mexico. The sound, which has been reported since the early 1990s, has baffled scientists and researchers because its source has never been conclusively identified.

Characteristics of the Taos Hum 🔊

The Taos Hum is described differently by those who hear it, but common descriptions include a sound like a distant diesel engine idling, a low buzzing, or a quiet rumble. While the sound is often difficult to pinpoint, it is typically more noticeable indoors and at night when there's less ambient noise. The reported frequency of the hum is generally in the range of 32 Hz to 80 Hz. Many "hearers" experience physical symptoms like headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea, which can significantly impact their quality of life.

Proposed Explanations 🤔

Theories about the source of the Taos Hum range from the mundane to the highly speculative.

• Environmental Causes: Some theories suggest the hum could be caused by natural phenomena like seismic activity, acoustic resonance from geological formations, or low-frequency atmospheric waves.

humming noise heard in New Mexico in 1990's

• Industrial Sources: Another explanation is that the sound is a byproduct of man-made industrial equipment, such as distant machinery, gas pipelines, or power lines, whose low-frequency sounds travel over long distances.

• Physiological Causes: A popular theory is that the hum is a form of spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) or a type of tinnitus. SOAEs are sounds generated from within the ear itself. However, many "hearers" report that the hum is distinct from the high-pitched ringing of classic tinnitus and seems to be a real external sound.

• Mass Psychogenic Illness: Some researchers have suggested the hum could be a form of mass hysteria or a psychological phenomenon, where people who hear about the hum begin to perceive a sound that isn't physically there. However, this theory is often rejected by those who experience the symptoms.

Despite various studies and investigations, including one by the University of New Mexico in the 1990s, no definitive source for the Taos Hum has ever been found. The mystery continues to this day, making it a compelling case in the field of acoustic phenomena.