The forum discussion centers around the "Mosquito Ringtone," a high-frequency sound designed to be inaudible to older individuals while still detectable by younger people. Users report varying levels of sensitivity to the tone, with some experiencing discomfort and others unable to hear it at all. The tone is noted for its use in retail environments to deter loitering teens, and several participants discuss their personal experiences with hearing loss and sound sensitivity. Technical details include a spectral analysis revealing a fundamental frequency of approximately 15.2 kHz, with subharmonics present at lower frequencies.
PREREQUISITESThis discussion is beneficial for audiologists, sound engineers, educators, and anyone interested in the psychological effects of sound on behavior, particularly in relation to youth and technology use in classrooms.
Ouabache said:It appears as a digitized sine wave, ~15.2KHz (I see a weak 1st harmonic at ~9.2KHz and stronger 2nd harmonic at ~3.2KHz.
Thanks for pointing that out. The spectral analysis does indicate two peaks lower in frequency from the fundamental. They should be called subharmonicsIvan Seeking said:The harmonics would have a higher frequency than the fundamental [first harmonic], not lower.
Janus said:I agree with other posters, that sound was on the edge of painful!
I had no trouble hearing it and I'm almost 48.