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Weird hum plagues Romney Marsh during Covid 19 lockdown

A weird noise that sounds like a throbbing hum is plaguing residents on Romney Marsh.

The persistent and invasive low-frequency rumbling has even prompted some people to consider moving home.

The extensive view across the Romney Marsh towards East Sussex (43414412)
The extensive view across the Romney Marsh towards East Sussex (43414412)

Nicky Buckenhaum, from New Romney, said the noise, which intensifies at night is “driving her mad”.

She said: “Recently I can hear this but only in my house. Because of Covid lockdown I can’t ask neighbours but I’ve checked all the obvious indoors and I’ve not got tinnitus either.

“If I come out of the house it disappears but it almost sounds as though it’s coming from underground?

“I can feel vibrations and a whirring noise in every room don’t know how I find out where it’s coming from but I’m sure it’s not in my home - it’s driving me mad.

“I’ve read only some can hear this noise and it’s possibly 5G masts or underground water pressure,” she said.

Her Facebook post attracted hundreds of comments with many users offering re-assurance and suggesting a possible source.

But all over the world the sonic phenomenon known as ‘The Hum’ has been reported since the 1960s, its source remains a mystery.

Romney Marsh marshlands. Credit: Stephen Nunney on Wikimedia Commons (39962343)
Romney Marsh marshlands. Credit: Stephen Nunney on Wikimedia Commons (39962343)

Rebecca Xibalba, from Ashford, replied: “You’re not going mad, I hear this too in Ashford at around 1am, like a faint fan whirring.”

Clare-Mary Dexter added: “Yep, every night. It freaked me out when I first moved here to Lydd. It’s like a whirring humming noise - I’m so glad someone else can hear it too.”

Many people suggested it could be down to Dungenness power station, electricity currents, water pumps or nearby generators.

Ms Buckenhaum, who lives off Fairfield Road, has even considered moving after the phenomenon has kept her up at night.

“Night time is worse, I even put the radio on first thing so I can’t hear it so bad, but right now it is bad,” she explained.

“Sometimes I only get relief by going out walking for a while so I can’t hear it."

Dungeness B nuclear power station. (21487811)
Dungeness B nuclear power station. (21487811)

Research by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs estimates between 20% and 30% of the population suffer from some sort of noise sensitivity and at least 10,000 people hear a hum.

The classic description of The Hum is that it sounds like a truck engine idling.

For many, it’s a distant rumbling or droning noise that can start and stop suddenly or wax and wane over time.

For others, The Hum is loud, relentless and life-altering.

Sarah Wilson told KentOnline in 2016 the drone she heard at her home in Queensway, Sheerness, had become unbearable.

Hypothesis range from Very Low Frequency (VLF) radio transmissions, noise pollution, a geological or internally generated phenomenon.

Read more: All the latest news from Kent

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