The Taos Hum
A low-frequency hum that only some people can hear. It's been reported in Taos since 1991. Similar hums occur worldwide—Bristol, Windsor, Auckland. No source has been found. Hearers describe it as maddening.
The Taos Hum is a low-frequency humming sound heard by some residents of Taos, New Mexico, and surrounding areas. Despite investigations, its source has never been identified.
The Sound
According to documented reports:
The Taos Hum is described as:
- A low-frequency hum or drone
- Similar to a distant diesel engine
- More noticeable indoors
- Worse at night
- Causes headaches, nausea, and sleep problems
- Only heard by about 2% of the population
History
Reports began in the early 1990s:
- Residents complained of a mysterious sound
- Local media covered the phenomenon
- Congress ordered a scientific investigation in 1993
- No definitive source was found
The Investigation
A 1993 study examined:
- Possible industrial sources
- Military installations
- Natural phenomena
- Psychological factors
The researchers:
- Found no clear source
- Confirmed some people genuinely heard something
- Could not reproduce the sound for non-hearers
- The mystery remained unsolved
Global Phenomenon
Similar hums worldwide:
- Bristol Hum (England)
- Windsor Hum (Ontario, Canada)
- Auckland Hum (New Zealand)
- Kokomo Hum (Indiana, USA)
- Dozens of other locations
Characteristics
What hearers experience:
- The sound follows them indoors
- It’s difficult to locate
- Earplugs don’t help
- It may pulse or vary in intensity
- Some describe it as feeling it in their body
Proposed Explanations
Industrial Sources: Factory machinery, pumps, or equipment operating continuously.
Natural Phenomena: Geological activity, ocean waves interacting with land.
Electromagnetic Sources: Power lines, transmission equipment.
Otoacoustic Emissions: Sounds generated within the ear itself.
Tinnitus: A form of tinnitus affecting low frequencies.
Mass Hysteria: Psychological contagion spreading the perception.
Why Only Some Hear It
Possible reasons:
- Variations in hearing sensitivity
- Ear structure differences
- Neurological differences
- Those who can hear low frequencies
- Heightened awareness once told about it
Effects on Hearers
The Hum causes:
- Sleep disruption
- Chronic headaches
- Anxiety and depression
- Inability to concentrate
- Some people have moved to escape it
Modern Status
The Taos Hum continues:
- People still report hearing it
- No definitive explanation exists
- Research continues sporadically
- It remains a genuine mystery