Can a loud inaudible sound drown out audible noise?

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The discussion centers on the concept of whether a powerful oscillation at an inaudible frequency can effectively drown out audible noise. Participants agree that sound is additive, meaning that simply introducing inaudible frequencies will not eliminate audible sounds. The conversation also touches on the role of atmospheric turbulence in sound propagation, suggesting that even inaudible sounds can influence how audible sounds are perceived. The need for clarification from the original poster (OP) regarding the context of their question is emphasized.

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ChromeBit
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To the best of my knowledge: a powerful oscillation at one frequency means more energy is required to make same medium oscillate at another frequency.

Since sound perception works by detection of air oscillation, could a sufficiently powerful oscillation at an inaudible frequency (to humans) hearing drown out any audible noise?
 
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I do think there may be some merit to the OP's input. Even atmospheric turbulence, basically inaudible, can adversely affect the propagation of sound. I have limited expertise in this area, but I think the OP's post deserves further consideration.
 
ChromeBit said:
To the best of my knowledge: a powerful oscillation at one frequency means more energy is required to make same medium oscillate at another frequency.

Since sound perception works by detection of air oscillation, could a sufficiently powerful oscillation at an inaudible frequency (to humans) hearing drown out any audible noise?

Are you asking about noise canceling headphones?
 
anorlunda said:
Are you asking about noise canceling headphones?
The OP needs to respond, but I interpreted the question to be that of trying to quiet a sound that originated from faraway by disrupting the atmosphere between the source and the listener with acoustical sources that are inaudible.
 
Charles Link said:
Even atmospheric turbulence, basically inaudible, can adversely affect the propagation of sound.
Charles Link said:
The OP needs to respond, but I interpreted the question to be that of trying to quiet a sound that originated from faraway by disrupting the atmosphere between the source and the listener with acoustical sources that are inaudible.

I suspect that is the wrong interpretation ... that's just a displacement of the sound wave

yes he does to clarify @ChromeBit ?his OP reads like 2 sound sources side by side ( or at least in close proximity) ...
will the hi level low and inaudible low freq one drown out the audible one ??

Dave
 

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