This important study published in the The Journal of Laryngology & Otology found there is evidence to suggest that low frequency noise can affect inner ear function; the outer hair cells of the cochlear respond to sounds at frequencies known to be produced by wind turbines. In comments by the lead author (provided below) the researchers report that infrasound can cause deleterious effects on humans. The abstract with author comments can be viewed below. The full report can be accessed through the links at the bottom of the page.

This report was the focus of a study requested by, and partly sponsored by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission. The purpose was to determine whether infrasound was present in the homes of three families in the footprint of the Shirley Wind project owned by Duke Energy. These families have reported adverse health effects since the wind turbine facility commenced operation. Two have been forced out of their homes. The Shirley Wind project consists of eight Nordex N100 2.5 MW wind turbines. The below excerpt includes important recommendations for avoiding similar noise complaints at future project sites. The full report can be accessed by clicking on the links at the bottom of this page.

The Ontario government took almost 1½ years to respond to a freedom of information act regarding wind turbine noise emissions and the impact on the public. Despite claims that there were over 300 pages collected, a scant 26 pages were released and many of those pages are heavily redacted. But what was revealed was clear evidence that Ministry of Environment Provincial Officers knew of the adverse health effects of wind turbine noise years ago.

The Melancthon I and Melancthon II wind energy facilities (200 megawatts), known as Melancthon EcoPower Center, began commercial operation in March 2006. Since that time, numerious complaints of turbine noise and other adverse effects were reported; homes were abandoned. The Ontario government took almost 1½ years to respond to a freedom of information act to finally release this document, a draft abatement plan to address the noise. The document was never released to the public and the plan was never implemented. This document exposes that the Ontario Provincial government was well aware of the adverse effects created by the turbines years ago but chose to let people suffer.

These important comments prepared by Dr. Michael Nissenbaum respond to questions raised by the Australian Senate Environment & Communications committee during its inquiry into wind turbine noise. In particular, Dr. Nissenbaum explains how the 'nocebo' effect is not a factor and that health complaints reported by those living near large turbines are real and require attention.

This important paper published in Noise & Health, a bi-monthly Inter-disciplinary International Journal, examines the health impacts of wind turbine noise on individuals living nearby. The abstract and conclusion of the paper appear below. The full paper can be accessed at the link at the bottom of this page.

This important paper by acoustics expert, Steven Cooper, challenges the current standards for siting wind turbines in Australia.

This peer-reviewed report written by the Acoustics Group in Australia evaluates the noise impact assessment for the Collector wind farm proposed to be built in New South Wales. The project will have up to 68 turbines but the turbine make and model is still undetermined. Three turbine makes and models were considered: Suzlon S88-2.1MW, V3; REpower 3.4M 104; Siemens SWT-2.3-101. The introduction and conclusion of the report is shown below. The full report, with appendices, can be accessed by clicking on the links at the bottom of this page.

These comments were submitted to Health Canada in reference to the design of the Health Canada Wind Turbine Noise and Health Study and to inform the Health Canada study team and others about the serious harm that has occurred to a family exposed to an industrial wind energy project. The full report can accessed by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page.

Dr. Alec Salt, a expert on human ear physiology at the Cochlear Fluids Research Laboratory of Washington University in St. Louis examined the effect of low-frequency, inaudible sound, on human health. In particular, Dr. Salt investigated the very low frequency sounds and infrasound (below 20 Hz) produced by industrial-scale wind turbines. His paper as presented at the Inter-sound 2012 conference can be accessed by clicking on the link(s) at the bottom of this page.