Subharmonics Generated in Human and Animal Ears by Intense Sound

Abstract

When subjects are exposed to intense sound fields, subharmonics radiated from the subjects eardrum are heard. The frequency of the subharmonic is exactly one-half of the frequency of the stimulating signal. Whereas these observations on humans are only possible at intensities above 140 db, subharmonics are found at the guinea pigs ear at an exposure level of about 95 db. These subharmonics will be demonstrated on guinea pigs and discussed.