06/17/2026
This is called sensory processing disorder. Want to learn more? Call us today!
Many autistic people report being able to hear electricity as a constant, high-pitched hum from electrical currents, appliances, and fluorescent lighting because the neurodivergent brain often lacks the ability to filter out background noises, allowing individuals to perceive extremely high frequencies and vibrations that others cannot.
This occurs due to hyperacusis, where everyday sounds are perceived as much louder, sharper, or even physically painful, combined with a neurological gating deficit in which the autistic brain shows reduced suppression of early auditory brain waves (such as the P50 and N1 components), meaning the brain treats the sound of a refrigerator, wall charger, or wiring with the same priority as direct speech instead of habituating to and ignoring constant, non-threatening background input.
The physics behind it includes standard Alternating Current (AC) operating at 50 to 60 Hz that creates low-frequency vibrations, along with coil whine from transformers and inductors in chargers and electronics (often above 15 kHz), fluorescent ballasts that buzz and degrade over time, and capacitor squeal from deteriorating components in TVs, monitors, and appliances emitting sounds around 18-20 kHz—frequencies that many autistic individuals retain heightened sensitivity to well into adulthood.
Without automatic habituation, the autistic brain consciously processes these overlapping electronic noises, which demands immense cognitive energy and can lead to rapid fatigue, chronic headaches, migraines, sleep disruption, anxiety, and sensory burnout.
06/14/2026
….And that’s a wrap for our 6th year of offering free tutoring to the WB community, every Friday. This year we expanded time slots from 6-8pm to 3-8pm. Where will you take us next year? We can’t wait to find out!
06/13/2026
About time!
Health research has historically overlooked women, and especially women of color. But research is finally yielding biological insights that are leading to better diagnoses and treatments for everything from ADHD to the leading causes of maternal mortality.
Find out what researchers are learning as they fill gaps in women’s health: https://on.natgeo.com/NCuenG
