Question

Describe some of the sounds you hear at night.
​

Answer 1

Answer:

A low level but high pitched whining noise (if your room is very quiet) might be your nervous system. A repetitive thump is likely your circulatory system. A whine that gets louder when you approach it might be an electrical dimmer or power supply. If you’re near high voltage power lines in a quiet area you can usually hear the whine of the electricity in the wires.It really scared me one time years ago when I pulled off a remote road near Yosemite to look at the stars. It was VERY dark and VERY quiet. I kept hearing crackling and snapping and whining noises in a clearing that was in the middle of lightless forest. I wanted to stay dark adapted so didn’t use any light and was basically stumbling around in the dark. I finally caved in and got out a big flashlight and eventually discovered that the sounds were coming from about fifty feet overhead, where HV power lines happened to go right over where I was standing. PS, I DID see some satellites going over, and even some shooting stars, as well as the Milky Way in all its splendor. Sometimes very dark is nice (when it’s not making noises you can’t locate).Rumbling noises could also be borborygmus (I love that word) , basically the movement of stuff around in your intestinal system. You probably know the sound of flatulence, but that can vary widely and is best fully exhibited in solitude. Many people can hear the air movement through their throats and lungs, especially if they have a wheeze.And let’s not forget the multitude of natural sounds, from insects to rodents and birds and wind passing through the trees or tall grass, or distant thunderstorms, or a nearby beach with its endless flow of waves.Oh, one more common noise source: your house (and car) heat up and cool down in ways that cause various parts to creak and ping and squeak as different parts expand and contract a little differently.And let’s not forget about ghosts. Actually, let’s forget about them. They’re not making any noise. That’s just repressed flatulence.