Low-frequency sounds can have harmful effects in some circumstances, especially when they are at very high levels or when they occur continuously for long periods of time. Here are some potential negative effects:

1. **Hearing Damage:** Although low-frequency sounds may not be as noticeable as high-frequency sounds, they can still cause hearing damage if they are at high enough levels and are continually exposed.

2. **Sleep Disturbances:** Low-frequency sounds can interfere with sleep, even when they are not consciously perceived. This can lead to sleep disorders such as insomnia or fragmented sleep, negatively affecting overall health and well-being.

3. **Stress and discomfort:** Even if they are not directly audible, low-frequency sounds can cause discomfort and stress in some people, especially if they are constant and unwanted.

4. **Structural Damage:** At extreme levels, low-frequency sounds can cause vibrations in physical structures such as buildings or bridges, potentially leading to structural damage over time.

However, it is important to note that the perception and effects of low-frequency sounds can vary from person to person, and not everyone will be affected in the same way. Furthermore, exposure to these sounds in natural environments, such as the sound of the ocean or wind, is generally not harmful and can even have calming and relaxing effects for some people.

Omnipresent noises in everyday life

Ubiquitous noise in everyday life is a reality for many people in urban and even suburban environments. This noise can include a variety of sources, such as vehicle traffic, industrial activities, construction, commercial activities, public transportation systems, household appliances, and even recreational activities.

These constant noises can have several negative impacts on people's health and well-being:

1. **Stress and anxiety:** Continuous exposure to noise can trigger chronic stress and anxiety, negatively affecting mood and quality of life.

2. **Sleep Disturbances:** Constant noise at night can interfere with sleep, leading to sleep disorders such as insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, or fragmented sleep. This, in turn, can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, and long-term health problems.

3. **Problems with concentration and cognitive performance:** Noisy environments can make it difficult to concentrate, be productive, and perform cognitively on tasks that require focus and attention.

4. **Impact on hearing health:** Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause permanent damage to hearing, leading to gradual hearing loss over time.

5. **Communication problems:** Constant noise can make verbal communication difficult, especially in environments such as offices, classrooms or restaurants.

6. **Impacts on cardiovascular health:** Studies suggest that chronic exposure to loud noise may increase the risk of cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

To mitigate the negative effects of ubiquitous noise, steps can be taken at the personal level, such as wearing ear protectors, creating quieter environments at home, and cultivating relaxation practices to cope with stress. At the community level, urban planning policies and noise regulations can help reduce the population’s exposure to harmful noise levels.

What science has discovered about low-frequency sounds

Research into the effects of low-frequency sounds has covered a variety of areas, including hearing health, psychological and physical impacts, as well as practical applications in a variety of fields. Here are some of the scientific findings on low-frequency sounds:

1. **Impacts on hearing health:** Although low-frequency sounds are less audible to the human ear compared to high-frequency sounds, they can still cause hearing damage if they are at high levels and are continuously exposed. This can result in gradual hearing loss over time.

2. **Sleep disorders:** Low-frequency sounds can interfere with sleep, even if they are not consciously perceived. Studies have shown that exposure to these sounds during sleep can lead to sleep disorders such as insomnia or fragmented sleep.

3. **Psychological Impacts:** Prolonged exposure to low-frequency noise can cause discomfort and stress in some people, even if it is not directly audible. This can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety and irritability.

4. **Vibrations and structural damage:** At extreme levels, low-frequency sounds can cause vibrations in physical structures such as buildings, bridges, and other structures. This can potentially lead to structural damage over time.

5. **Practical applications:** Low-frequency sounds also have several practical applications, such as in the music industry, where they are used to create depth and richness in recordings. In addition, they are used in ultrasound technologies, sonars and in geophysical studies to map the Earth's subsoil.

It is important to continue research in this area to better understand the effects of low-frequency sounds on human health and well-being, as well as to develop effective strategies to mitigate their potential negative impacts.

Impacts that should be included in the equation

When considering the impacts of low-frequency sounds, it is important to take into account a variety of factors that can influence their magnitude and range. Here are some impacts that should be factored into the equation:

1. **Environmental context:** The effects of low-frequency sounds can vary significantly depending on the environment in which they occur. For example, in densely populated urban areas, low-frequency sounds can be amplified and become more disruptive due to reverberation off buildings and structures.

2. **Duration and intensity of exposure:** The amount of time a person is exposed to low-frequency sounds and the intensity of those sounds are key factors in determining their impacts. Prolonged exposures to high levels of low-frequency sounds may have more pronounced effects than brief exposures to lower levels.

3. **Individual sensitivity:** People's sensitivity to low-frequency sounds can vary considerably. Some people may be more affected by low-frequency sounds than others due to differences in auditory perception, emotional sensitivity, or genetic predispositions.

4. **Socioeconomic impacts:** The effects of low-frequency sounds may be exacerbated in low-income communities, where housing may be more likely to be located near noise sources such as highways, factories, or airports. This can lead to disparities in exposure and health impacts across different socioeconomic groups.

5. **Mitigation measures:** It is important to consider the measures available to mitigate the effects of low-frequency sounds. These may include the use of sound barriers, soundproofing in buildings, noise regulations, public education about health risks, and the development of quieter technologies in various industries.

When assessing the impacts of low-frequency sounds, it is crucial to take these factors into account in order to develop effective approaches to managing and minimizing their negative effects on people's health and well-being.