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Hearing EM Waves

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P. C. Constant, Jr. · 1967

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Microwave radiation can directly create hearing sensations in humans, bypassing normal auditory pathways entirely.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1967 conference paper by PC Constant Jr. explored the phenomenon of electromagnetic wave hearing, focusing on how humans can perceive microwave radiation as auditory sensations. The research examined factors like pulse width and frequency in microwave-induced hearing effects. This early work helped establish the scientific foundation for understanding how electromagnetic fields can directly stimulate the auditory system.

Why This Matters

This pioneering research from 1967 documented what we now call the microwave auditory effect - the ability of pulsed microwave radiation to create sound sensations directly in the human head. The science demonstrates that electromagnetic fields can bypass the ear entirely and stimulate auditory nerves through rapid thermal expansion in brain tissue. What this means for you is that EMF exposure isn't just about heating effects or cancer risk - it's about direct neurological stimulation that was documented over 50 years ago.

The reality is that this phenomenon occurs at power levels far below what causes obvious tissue heating, yet regulatory agencies continue to focus primarily on thermal effects when setting exposure limits. Put simply, if microwaves could make people hear sounds in 1967, today's vastly more powerful wireless devices operating at similar frequencies deserve serious scrutiny for their potential neurological effects.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 3-9.5 GHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 3-9.5 GHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Study Details

To determine if humans can hear EM waves, obtain data on physiological effects, and determine if humans can learn to hear EM waves.

The temporal lobe area of a human is irradiated with microwaves (S, C and X band) of a time-average ...

Initially only Subject 1 "heard" the response at S and C bands. It was heard in the area of the ear ...

1. Humans can "hear" EM waves, over a limited range of frequencies and pulse widths. 2. Sensation of "hearing" varies with prf. 3. Humans can learn to hear EM waves, although the learning method is not known. 4. Intelligence can be received by human from selected transmitted microwave frequencies, pulse widths and prf's by means of natural body functions which are not now known.

Cite This Study
P. C. Constant, Jr. (1967). Hearing EM Waves.
Show BibTeX
@article{hearing_em_waves_g5982,
  author = {P. C. Constant and Jr.},
  title = {Hearing EM Waves},
  year = {1967},
  
  
}
No DOI on file for this study.

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, this 1967 research documented that pulsed microwave radiation can create auditory sensations directly in the human head, bypassing the ears entirely through a phenomenon now called the microwave auditory effect.
According to this research, pulse width and frequency are key factors that influence how humans perceive microwave-induced auditory sensations, with pulsed rather than continuous waves being most effective.
This 1967 conference paper by PC Constant Jr. was among the early scientific documentation of electromagnetic wave hearing, helping establish the foundation for understanding microwave auditory effects.
Pulsed microwaves create rapid thermal expansion in brain tissue, which generates pressure waves that directly stimulate auditory nerves without involving the ears or normal hearing mechanisms.
No, the microwave auditory effect can occur at relatively low power levels, well below those that cause obvious tissue heating, making it relevant for everyday wireless device exposures.