A Search for Solutions to Low Frequency Noise

A Conversation with Arjen Abbingh: The Search for a Solution

During a conversation with Arjen Abbingh from the Drenthe Environmental Protection Agency, it became clear once again how complex Low-Frequency Noise (LFN) is. As a technician, he investigates complaints, deploys measuring equipment, and analyzes all possible sound sources. But what if nothing measurable is found? What if there is no clear cause?

Arjen frequently experiences this dilemma. He wants to help, he feels the distress of those affected, and he knows their complaints must be taken seriously. The frustration lies in the fact that there is often no tangible source to pinpoint, even though the experienced nuisance is significant. Yet, he continues searching. Searching for the right collaboration so that people can approach the problem from a different perspective with professional help. Because he also knows that without understanding, recognition, and cooperation, those in distress have nowhere to turn.

The Circle of Uncertainty and Fear

When people cannot find a solution for their complaints, they turn to the internet. There, they encounter stories about how sound makes people ill, how low-frequency noise is linked to the wind turbine syndrome, and how governments fail to address the problem. This misinformation reinforces feelings of threat and powerlessness.

Worse still, these stories put pressure on the government to come up with a solution, while the Environmental Protection Agency is already at an impasse. The circle is complete. A vicious cycle, even. Without a multidisciplinary approach, people remain trapped in a spiral of uncertainty and fear, which only exacerbates their symptoms.

The RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) provides reliable information about low-frequency noise and the challenges in measuring and experiencing it. See: RIVM - Low-Frequency Sound.

Hearing Is So Much More Than Just the Ears

Sound is not just something we perceive with our ears. Our brain plays a crucial role in how we experience sound. This is not a matter of imagination but an intricate interplay of auditory processing, attention, emotion, and physical responses.

Our brain continuously filters sounds to determine what is important. With low-frequency noise, this filter sometimes seems to malfunction, causing the sound to no longer fade into the background but instead become increasingly prominent. The more we focus on it, the more intrusive it becomes.

This explains why some people experience severe discomfort while others barely notice the same sound. The experience of LFN is not just a technically measurable phenomenon but also a matter of how our brain processes it.

The Influence of Stress and Focus: The Glass as a Metaphor

A powerful metaphor for this is the glass. Everyone has a glass that fills with stress, worries, and daily impressions. The fuller the glass, the more sensitive we become to stimuli like sound.

For people suffering from LFN who are also experiencing high stress, the glass overflows. The focus on the sound increases, and the distress intensifies, regardless of the actual sound source. This phenomenon is supported by the fear-avoidance model, which illustrates how the fear of a stimulus - whether it be pain or sound - can amplify and sustain the symptoms.

This does not mean that the discomfort is 'all in the head.' The suffering is real and has a huge impact on daily life. But it does offer an important insight: solutions are possible, just not through a quick fix.

Creative Hopelessness: How Much Has It Already Cost?

Many people affected by LFN have tried everything. Sound measurements, insulation, moving house, medical visits, even alternative therapies. Yet, despite all efforts, the suffering persists. This is what we call 'creative hopelessness' in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): the moment you realize that fighting the problem has not helped you move forward.

How much energy, time, and money have already been spent on this struggle? And what has it actually yielded?

This is not a call to give up but to try a different approach. One where we no longer seek the solution externally - in technology, insulation, or silence - but rather internally. How can we handle the distress we experience differently? How can we reduce the impact of the sound on our lives without continuing to fight against it?

Solutions Are Possible, but Step by Step

The key lies in a combination of technical and psychological insights. It is not just about measuring sound but also about understanding how the brain works and how we can influence our focus and stress levels.

This requires an approach where we work step by step toward solutions. It starts with recognition and understanding, followed by targeted strategies to reduce the distress. Think of cognitive behavioral therapy, attention training, and techniques that help break the automatic focus on sound.

Collaboration as the Key to Understanding

In Limburg, we have learned that a multidisciplinary approach is essential. The collaboration between the Environmental Protection Agency and the Public Health Service (GGD) has led to greater understanding and better support. By not only focusing on the measurable aspects but also paying attention to the perception and well-being of those affected, we can prevent people from falling into a negative spiral.

For professionals like Arjen, this is a huge challenge. They want to provide answers but sometimes get stuck in technical analyses. It requires collaboration with audiologists, psychologists, and other experts to develop a broader perspective.

For those seeking help, it is important to know they are not alone. The suffering is real, the impact is significant, but there are ways to cope. It starts with recognition and understanding - and an approach that goes beyond just measuring and searching for a source.

The Way Forward

LFN remains a challenge, both for those who suffer from it and for the professionals seeking a solution. But clinging to a purely technical approach does not work. Only through collaboration, understanding, and a broader view of the problem can we make a difference.

Let us continue to search for solutions - not just with equipment and measurements but also with attention to the person behind the complaint. Because in the end, it is not just about the sound itself - it is about its impact on people's lives.

References:

Vlaeyen, J. W. S., & Cima, R. F. F. (2018). Tinnitus: A fear-avoidance model perspective. Hearing Research, 369, 1-10.

Westin, V. Z., Schulin, M., Hesser, H., Karlsson, M., & Andersson, G. (2018). Acceptance and commitment therapy versus tinnitus retraining therapy in the treatment of tinnitus: A randomized controlled trial. Behavior Research and Therapy, 108, 1-10.

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