Story perspectives

Infrasound Boosts Cortisol, Increases Sadness in Listeners

5/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

In a double-blind study, 36 participants listened to music while half received hidden 18 Hz infrasound.
Saliva tests showed that participants exposed to the infrasound experienced a measurable cortisol increase compared with non-exposed participants.
Exposed participants reported greater irritability, nervousness, discomfort and rated the music as sadder overall.
Rodney Schmaltz, senior author, noted that everyday sources such as pipes, ducts, traffic and storms generate similar vibrations.

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Story summary

In a double-blind study, 36 participants listened to music while half received hidden 18 Hz infrasound.
Saliva tests showed that participants exposed to the infrasound experienced a measurable cortisol increase compared with non-exposed participants.
Exposed participants reported greater irritability, nervousness, discomfort and rated the music as sadder overall.
Rodney Schmaltz, senior author, noted that everyday sources such as pipes, ducts, traffic and storms generate similar vibrations.