low frequency noise

[Lisa Oldham]

Theres also a TETRA mast a little further away but is possible and I know huge number of people near TETRA masts who have this problem.  If you havent found anything particular it could be then google "The Hum"

[moonforest]

Did you ever discover the cause of this noise, falcon?

[Tricky]

Noise has been defined as unwanted sound. We are all aware of the noises that surround us in our everyday lives, many of which are a source of nuisance. The effect of low frequency noise (LFN), however, is often not recognised as a nuisance, even though it may have a profound effect on the psychological and physiological well being of some people.
 
Sound

The frequency of a sound is the number of sound waves which pass a particular point in one second, and is measured in Hertz (Hz). Sound audible to the adult human ear is in the range 5 - 18000 Hz. Low frequency sound may be loosely defined as having a frequency below 150 Hz. Sound in the lower frequency range is around us all the time, but we are not always aware of it as people's sensitivity varies considerably. Problems arise when the levels of low frequency noise are such that they interfere with our everyday lives.
 
Low Frequency Noise

There are many sources of low frequency noise which can cause disturbance and/or annoyance both indoors and outdoors. Sound enters buildings through their structure, through open windows, or can be generated inside the building. Sound with a very long wavelength may be heard as noise (primary noise), cause rattling windows, doors or furniture (secondary noise), and may be difficult to distinguish from a structural vibration. Both of these forms of noise can cause disturbance, particularly at night.

LFN can be more noticeable indoors, which is why it is often associated with disturbed sleep. In the open air other noises such as traffic may mask the annoying low frequencies. Indoors, middle and high frequency noise from outside is reduced because the insulating effect of the building increases with sound frequency. Noises from the lower frequency bands, however, may remain the same, or even increase - hence rattling windows etc. Another problem is that LFN travels further than higher frequencies, so the source is often difficult to trace. Sleep may be disturbed by the hum of a distant boiler, or the rattle of a window caused by passing traffic.
 
Sources
 
The following may all be sources of LFN:
amplified music
pumps
fans
boilers
ventilation plant
foundries
blasting/quarrying
road
rail and air traffic
electrical installations

Effects of Low Frequency Noise

A low frequency noise is very often characterised by a hum or rumble. It may be confused with tinnitus (ringing/hissing in the ears with no obvious cause).
 
Health
 
The hearing sensitivity range of people varies; therefore people who are disturbed by LFN may feel isolated if no one else is annoyed by the noise. Symptoms of LFN annoyance are those associated with stress. These include feelings of irritation and unease, fatigue, headache, nausea and disturbed sleep.

It is not clear at what level Low Frequency Noise may be physically damaging; however, the unpleasant symptoms it can induce are sufficient to cause disruption and significant social and economic penalties to sufferers. A review of research into low frequency noise is available in PDF format from the Defra website.

Nuisance

How far low frequency noise presents a serious nuisance problem is uncertain, but it is often a source of irritation. Assessing the level of nuisance caused by low frequency noise is difficult. Ordinary sound level meters may not be able to detect LFN on the decibel scale as its decibel level is often lower than background noise. A narrow band frequency analyser is required to measure it. Noise nuisance is determined by the magnitude of the noise on the decibel scale. In the case of LFN this scale is not appropriate so it is often difficult to prove a nuisance.
 
Hums

Throughout the country there are cases of people who can hear 'hums'. These sounds have no obvious source. In some areas small groups of people apparently complain about noise from the same, unidentified source. These have been blamed on industrial sources and on gas pipelines. There have been extensive investigations into some of these, but their actual sources remain unconfirmed - it is very difficult to determine the origin of some of these sounds.
 
Controlling Low Frequency Noise
 
Apart from the difficulties of tracking down the source of low frequency noise, and assessing its magnitude, practical methods of control are technically difficult and often prohibitive in cost. Sound proofing in buildings is usually impracticable as the design - particularly of modern buildings - can enhance the effect. Enclosing the noise source is a better option and will provide a more comprehensive solution. This is often difficult and expensive as it involves enclosing the source in a combination of massive structures to reduce sound transmission. LFN from machinery can sometimes be reduced by the use of vibration absorbing mountings.
 
The answer to eliminating low frequency noise lies in the design of the sources themselves. There is also a need to develop agreed standards for measuring and controlling LFN.

If you are persistently troubled by low frequency noise or hum, contact the environmental health department of your local authority and ask them to investigate it for you.

Contact

Environment Team (District)
Environmental Health and Trading Standards
Stopford House, Piccadilly, Stockport. SK1 3XE

district.group@stockport.gov.uk

0161 474 4284

They will come and monitor for nuisance noise etc.  

[Lisa Oldham]

do your neighbours hear it? or do some do and some dont?

Mobile phone masts/antennae ( yes my old hat!) can be the cause if this is the case.  Goyt mill is covered in them.

[jethroh65]

Was there not a noise issue a few years ago with one of the Factories at Goyt Mill.
The factory started night shifts and there were complaints about low frequency noise at night ?

[tina]

Maybe it has something to do with the electricity station on Greenbank? you know the one next to the passage?

[Steptoe and Son]

I live not far from Hibbert Lane and I've heard a low frequency noise lately...intermittently during the day and night...and it's very annoying.  Heard it last year as well but haven't done so over the summer months.

[Water Rat]

Hmmmmmmm I can see that could be a problem

[falcon]

I live on Greenbank cresc, not far from the Goyt millfrom falcon

[tina]

Where on Hibbert Lane are you hearing humming? its a long road

[falcon]

From Falcon,is anybody else in the Hibbert Lane area having problems with humming and  Machine noises in their houses would love some feedback, as it is causing us problems