Subsonic

Subsonic has two possible meanings:

• A speed lower than the speed of sound is called subsonic.

• Sounds that are too low-pitched to be consciously perceived by humans are called infrasound or subsonic. Subsonic sound has an effect on human hearing. The frequency range of normal human hearing is 20-24,000 hertz. Researchers have found that frequences as low as one hertz (one cycle per second) have a definite effect on the inner ear, affecting its equilibrium and causing dizziness.

For an article on the emotional effects of infrasound in music see infrasound.

See also: Subsonic, Dizziness, Equilibrium, Frequency, Hearing (sense), Hertz, Infrasound, Inner ear, Sound, Speed of sound