EXCRUCIATING HUMMING NOISE REMAINS A YEARS-LONG MYSTERY AND SERIOUS PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE FOR WEST HAVEN, CONNECTICUT

PEOPLE

 

‘Excruciating’ Humming Noise Remains a Years-Long Mystery and ‘Serious Public Health Issue’ for This City

By Brian Anthony Hernandez  Published on January 31, 2026 08:00PM EST

 

Residents of a coastal city in Connecticut are tired of a humming noise.

 

Since 2020, West Haven locals have heard an unwelcome vibrating hum that they’re petitioning to have city officials figure out so they can muzzle it.

 

John Carrano, West Haven's human resources commissioner, told local news outlet NBC Connecticut (NBC CT) that the sound has been “excruciating” for some residents, while his daughter “doesn’t hear it at all.”

 

Resident Warren Thomas described the sound to the outlet as “a persistent, constant low hum, enough for you to hear it, enough for you to notice it.”

 

A petition started to put pressure on officials to remedy the issue states, “This disturbing phenomenon occurs at all hours, disrupting our ability to sleep, concentrate and enjoy life to its fullest. Many residents have reported increased levels of stress, anxiety and physical discomfort due to this incessant noise and vibration.”

 

To address the complaints from residents, the West Haven City Council recently approved a budget of $16,000 to pay for a sound engineering company, per NBC CT, to locate the source of the sound.

 

The city and the sound engineering company will use 10 microphones to monitor the sound and to hopefully discover where it’s coming from.

 

Carrano, who has been trying to locate the sound’s origin himself, told NBC CT that it has been “difficult to pinpoint” because of its “low frequency.”

 

West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer described the mystery to the outlet as a “quality-of-life issue” that the city doesn’t want to impact people’s health.

 

Meanwhile, the petition explains residents are worried about their health.

 

“We are deeply concerned about the long-term health consequences this persistent noise pollution imposes on us,” the petition reads. “Scientific studies have shown that noise pollution can severely impact sleep quality, cognitive functioning, mood stability and overall well-being. ... It’s a serious public health issue that requires immediate attention.”