Frequency is the term used to describe sound waves measured in Hertz. Humans have some limitations in hearing sound. A man’s audibility range is 20hz to 20000hz. Waves that are too high or too low can cause physical and mental issues like hearing loss or anxiety. So, it’s a must to keep control of the sound frequency around you.
High-frequency sound can be blocked in several ways. Some are more permanent, like foam insulation or acoustic panels. Using thick curtains or blocking door bottoms with a towel are temporary solutions.
Below here, you will get the most effective solutions for how to block high-frequency sounds.
What Is High-Frequency Sound?
As discussed earlier, the human tolerable sound frequency is 20hz to 20000hz. And these frequency waves are divided into three portions: Low frequency, mid-frequency, and high frequency.
Sound waves from 20hz to 500hz are counted as low-frequency sounds. From 500hz to 2000hz, it is known as a mid-frequency sound.
Furthermore, the wave range of 8000hz to 20000hz is counted as a high-frequency sound. However, sound over 16000hz is nearly above the human audibility range.
Moreover, the sound wave below 20hz is known as infrasound, and above 20000hz, it becomes ultrasound which we use in hospitals. Both infrasound and ultrasound are barely audible to the human ear.
How to Block High-Frequency Sound Waves?
There are several ways to block high-frequency sound waves. But, not all of them are effective. Here we’ve discussed the most effective ways to block high-frequency sound waves. This list contains permanent industrial solutions and DIY solutions side by side.
1. Thick Soundproof Curtains
This method of blocking sound is as effective as costly. Nowadays, soundproof curtains are available, thicker and heavier than your regular curtains. Those curtains can weigh over 15 pounds apiece. While hanging in your window or door, these curtains block the way for the sound waves to enter and absorb maximum noise. They are the handiest and most casual solution to make your surroundings safe from high-frequency sound waves.
3. Acoustic Insulation Panels
Using acoustic insulation panels to block high-frequency sound is a more effective and permanent solution. It can reduce sound waves to nearly 87%. Additionally, these panels must be installed when building or shifting to a new house. However, you can install them even when you live in the house, but it will cost more time and work. Also, installing those panels can cost you a few hundred bucks. But, your ears and health will remain safe forever.
3. Caulk to Block The Door And Window cracks
Caulk can save your time and wealth when other ways to block high sound waves get costlier. Here, you have to understand how it works. The medium of sound around us is air. Without air, sound can’t create frequency waves. And, sound waves sometimes enter your house through the cracks of doors and windows. The use of caulk is the best solution to block these door and window cracks. Just check in your neighborhood hardware store, and you will find some. And gently apply them to the cracks. You are all good to go!
Note: Do not block the gap below the doors fully. It can reduce the oxygen flow in the room. So, you can use a thick rug on the front door that will casually block the sound.
4. Furniture and Thick rugs
It might sound a bit funny, but it is useful. You can use your high bookshelves and rugs to block the high-frequency sound wave. Beforehand, when placed against the walls, the furniture can work like insulation and absorb a remarkable amount of sound waves. Also, using thick rugs on the floor is an efficient way to keep the frequency in control.
5. Try Soundproofing Your Rooftop
This soundproofing method needs some expert hands and costs the most, but it is the most useful and long-lasting solution to make your house soundproof. With the help of construction professionals, you can make your rooftop soundproof. They will use a thick layering of concrete and other materials to coat the roof. Surprisingly, this method helps block the sound and helps control the house’s temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do High-Frequency Sounds Hurt Humans?
Yes, high-frequency sound waves can hurt humans in several ways. Exposure to high-frequency sound can cause temporary hearing loss, resulting in severe headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and tinnitus if exposed to the waves for a long time.
In addition, high-frequency sound exposure can cause severe mental trauma. Children who face high-frequency hearing loss face challenges in language and speech development. And adults in the same case can suffer from severe anxiety, dementia, social isolation, and injuries caused by falling in the worst-case scenario.
Conclusion
So, you’ve got your solution about how to block high-frequency sounds. However, never forget to check the frequency levels using a noise dosimeter after you apply one of the tips we’ve given.
Keep in mind that when soundproofing your house, you are not blocking the airflow completely in the house. Otherwise, an unplanned soundproofing measure can result in an overheated house.
