Noise & Infrasound
Noise & Infrasound
Wind turbines don’t just “whoosh.”
They emit a range of noise frequencies — some you can hear, and some you can’t — that affect human health, stress levels, and even brain function. Unlike natural or urban sounds, wind turbine noise is unpredictable and persistent, making it much harder for people to adapt to or ignore.
Audible Noise: The Constant Disturbance
The audible sound from wind turbines isn’t just white noise. It changes with wind speed, blade angle, and weather conditions. This makes it inconsistent and, for many, deeply disruptive.
People living within one to two miles of turbines often describe:
Sleep interruptions or inability to fall asleep
A rhythmic “thumping” sound that penetrates walls
Increased stress, irritability, and fatigue
Difficulty focusing or relaxing
Because turbine noise isn’t constant like a fan or air conditioner, the brain has a harder time filtering it out — a condition known as sensory intrusion.
Infrasound: The Unheard Pressure
Infrasound refers to sound waves below 20 Hz — below the threshold of human hearing. These low-frequency waves can travel long distances and penetrate walls and bodies. While you might not “hear” them, your body can feel them, often in the form of:
Dizziness or nausea
Ear pressure and a sense of internal vibration
Heart palpitations
Panic-like symptoms or unexplained anxiety
Scientific studies show that infrasound can stimulate the vestibular system, which controls balance and spatial orientation. Prolonged exposure may affect your sense of well-being even if you’re not aware of the sound.
Why This Noise Is Different
You may wonder — how is this different from highway or airplane noise?
Turbine noise is variable and influenced by unpredictable environmental factors.
It doesn’t stop. Unlike vehicles that pass by, turbines operate continuously, including at night.
Infrasound is not blocked by insulation, windows, or walls.
There are no warning signs to tell people what they may be exposed to before turbines are installed nearby.
Some people develop Noise Sensitivity Syndrome — a condition where even moderate turbine noise begins triggering physical and emotional distress.
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Communities in Iowa, Wisconsin, and elsewhere have reported families forced to abandon homes due to sound-related symptoms. In some cases, noise exceeded local ordinances or was never measured at all. Many turbines are sited before independent sound studies are done, and regulations often lag far behind current research.
A growing number of industry insiders, including insurers and engineers, have raised alarms about the increasing rate of failures as turbines grow taller and more complex.
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Most wind developers use A-weighted sound measurements, which filter out infrasound and low-frequency noise. This creates a false sense of compliance, even when residents are clearly suffering.
Without transparent sound monitoring and stricter siting requirements, people have little protection.
MORE RESOURCES…
Vermont Department of Health
This comprehensive review examines studies on wind turbine noise and its association with health effects such as sleep disturbance, migraines, and cardiovascular symptoms. It highlights the complexity of factors contributing to health outcomes and emphasizes the importance of considering both noise levels and individual sensitivities.
Sound and Vibration Magazine
This article discusses the potential health implications of low-frequency noise and infrasound emitted by wind turbines.
It explores how these sound frequencies can affect individuals, particularly those with heightened sensitivities, and underscores the need for further research into long-term health effects.
ResearchGate
Commissioned by the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment, this updated review analyzes recent literature on the health effects of wind turbine sound, focusing on low-frequency noise and infrasound.
It discusses the relationship between sound exposure and health outcomes like annoyance, sleep disturbance, and cardiovascular issues.