Residents of the Isle of Lewis, located in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, are reporting a persistent and unsettling humming noise disrupting their lives. The source of this mysterious hum remains unknown, sparking investigations and concern among islanders.
Lauren-Grace Kirtley, founder of “The Hebridean Hum: Low-frequency noise disturbance action and support group” on Facebook, described the sound to BBC Radio’s Good Morning Scotland program as “a very low humming, droning, pulsating noise,” characterizing it as “incredibly intrusive and distressing.” Kirtley and other residents report experiencing difficulty sleeping, concentrating, dizziness, headaches, and a fluttering sensation in their ears.
Kirtley’s group has been actively investigating the phenomenon. They’ve conducted spectrograph recordings at various locations where the hum has been reported, identifying a “persistent, recordable 50 Hz signal of variable strength” present across all sites. This finding suggests that the hum isn’t emanating from a central point on the island. Having ruled out potential on-island sources such as ports, turbines, and other infrastructure, the group is now focusing their investigation on offshore origins. Despite reaching out to various organizations, a definitive explanation for the hum remains elusive. Kirtley, however, firmly believes the source is human-made rather than natural.
Within the 546-member Facebook group, some theories have emerged. One member, Pamela Weaver Larson, suggested the possibility of otoacoustic emissions, which are faint sounds produced within the cochlea of the inner ear. This theory proposes that the perceived hum might originate from within the individuals themselves rather than an external source. However, Larson questions this explanation, pointing out that she hasn’t experienced the hum in other locations, such as Florida or upper Michigan.
This recent occurrence adds to a long history of mysterious hums reported worldwide over decades. The World Hum Map and Database Project, founded by Glen MacPherson, a former University of British Columbia lecturer, documents and maps self-reported data on the so-called “Worldwide Hum.” The project’s website describes the hum as often resembling the sound of a “car or truck engine idling,” or a “low rumbling or droning sound,” typically perceived as louder at night and indoors. However, the website’s description contradicts Larson’s experience, stating that sufferers typically hear the hum regardless of their location.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, the local council on the Isle of Lewis, acknowledged receiving reports of the low-frequency sounds and confirmed that their environmental health team is actively investigating the situation.
Kirtley, in a statement to The Times, expressed increasing confidence that the hum originates from a marine source, potentially impacting marine wildlife. She stressed the urgency of identifying the source and silencing the hum definitively.
Whether the source of the mysterious hum will be pinpointed and what experts will conclude remains to be seen. The ongoing investigation continues to seek answers for the affected residents of the Isle of Lewis.
