Study: Infrasound likely a key factor in alleged hauntings

Key Points:

• A new study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience suggests that sensations attributed to hauntings may be caused by infrasound—low-frequency sound waves emitted by sources like vibrating pipes, mechanical systems, traffic, or wind turbines—rather than paranormal activity.
• Previous research by psychologist Richard Wiseman found that environmental factors such as magnetic fields, humidity, and lighting influence people's experiences in reputedly haunted locations, with expectations of hauntings heightening sensations like coldness or feelings of being watched.
• The study led by Rodney Schmaltz and neuroscientist Kale Scatterty demonstrated that exposure to infrasound increased participants’ cortisol levels and feelings of irritation and unease, despite subjects being unable to consciously detect the sound, indicating a physiological stress response to infrasound.
• While infrasound may contribute to some haunting experiences, it is unlikely to explain all phenomena; factors like suggestibility and environmental conditions also play significant roles, and previous claims of infrasound causing visual illusions remain unconfirmed.
• Schmaltz acknowledges limitations including small sample size and plans to expand research by measuring infrasound in various haunted and non-haunted locations, aiming to improve public understanding of scientific versus pseudoscientific explanations for ghostly experiences.