How does ultrasound from mice affect a person? - briefly
Mouse ultrasonic vocalizations lie outside the human audible spectrum and, when transduced into audible frequencies, generate only negligible acoustic stimulation without measurable physiological or health effects.
How does ultrasound from mice affect a person? - in detail
Mouse‑produced ultrasonic vocalizations occupy frequencies above 20 kHz, a range inaudible to most adults but detectable by infants and some animals. When such emissions reach a human environment, they interact with the auditory system through several pathways.
The acoustic energy delivered by these signals is low; typical sound‑pressure levels measured near a cage range from 40 to 70 dB SPL. At these intensities, the human ear perceives no direct auditory sensation, and tissue heating remains negligible. Consequently, acute physiological disruption is unlikely.
Potential effects can be categorized as follows:
- Neurological response – Ultrasonic exposure may stimulate the vestibular system via bone conduction, producing subtle sensations of pressure or mild dizziness in susceptible individuals.
- Psychological impact – Unconscious perception of high‑frequency sounds has been linked to increased anxiety or sleep disturbance, particularly in environments with continuous exposure.
- Biological interaction – Studies on rodent models suggest that prolonged ultrasonic stimulation can alter hormone release (e.g., corticosterone), but comparable effects in humans have not been demonstrated under typical laboratory conditions.
- Safety thresholds – International standards (e.g., IEC 60601‑2‑33) set exposure limits for ultrasound at 100 dB SPL for frequencies above 20 kHz, well above the levels generated by laboratory mice, ensuring compliance with occupational health guidelines.
Research employing controlled ultrasonic generators indicates that exposure durations shorter than one hour produce no measurable changes in heart rate, blood pressure, or cognitive performance. Long‑term epidemiological data are scarce, but existing surveys of animal‑facility personnel report no statistically significant health complaints attributable to mouse ultrasonic emissions.
In summary, the low‑intensity ultrasonic vocalizations emitted by mice are unlikely to cause direct auditory damage or significant physiological alteration in humans. Possible indirect effects, such as mild vestibular sensations or psychological discomfort, may arise only under atypically high exposure conditions that exceed established safety limits.