News Desk
China’s assertiveness in the West Philippine Sea is increasing, with frequent skirmishes reported. Recently, the Chinese Coast Guard deployed a long-range acoustic device (LRAD) against Philippine vessels, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). Commodore Jay Tarriela stated to the media that the LRAD’s high-decibel sound waves pose a risk of permanent hearing damage, escalating tensions and raising global security concerns.
“For the first time, CCG-3103 employed an LRAD to deter a Philippine Coast Guard vessel, blocking its approach,said PCG spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Crewmembers described the LRAD’s high-decibel sound waves as intensely painful, warning that they posed a risk of permanent hearing damage, potentially leading to deafness.
Long-Range Acoustic Devices (LRAD) and Acoustic Hailing Devices (AHD) are powerful loudspeakers that emit sound waves over long distances. Originally created for communication purposes, they are now also used in crowd control. However, their extremely high decibel levels can sometimes result in permanent hearing damage.
However, the LRAD can be used for more sinister purposes—harassing and disorienting adversaries. Acoustic or sonic weapons, often referred to as “noise bazookas,” “sonic bullets,” and “sound cannons,” emit intense sound waves that can be painfully audible or disturbingly inaudible. These devices range from amplifying messages to causing physical harm with overwhelming noise. They exploit the physics of sound waves—variations in pressure traveling through air or other fluids. Many focus on ultra-high frequencies (ultrasound above 20 kilohertz), low frequencies (below 100 hertz), or even infrasound (below 20 hertz).
The average human hearing range is between 20 hertz and 20 kilohertz. However, these weapons can operate outside this range, leading to physical effects such as nausea, disorientation, or hearing loss, depending on their intensity. As we age, our ability to hear high-frequency sounds decreases, but loud low-frequency sounds remain perceptible and can have distressing effects.
Acoustic technology, originally designed for crowd control in the early 1990s, has since advanced significantly with the development of the Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD). Following the October 2000 terrorist attack on the USS Cole, American Technology Corporation, now known as LRAD Corporation, created this device to address new security threats.
Since the 1990s, ultra- and infra-sonic devices have been researched by the US military and private companies. These tools aim to cause tinnitus, pain, and even cognitive or behavioural changes at frequencies undetectable by the human ear. The Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) gained prominence in November 2005 when it successfully thwarted a pirate attack on a cruise ship near Somalia. Its proven effectiveness in deterring attackers highlighted its formidable power, leading to widespread adoption by military and law enforcement agencies globally.
The LRAD is a versatile tool, effective for both communication and deterring potential threats. Its compact size and portability make it easy to transport, set up, and mount almost anywhere. Picture it as an audio spotlight: standing beside or behind it allows for normal conversation, but stepping into its beam results in excruciatingly painful sound. Currently, LRAD Corporation reports that their devices are sold in over 100 countries, indicating the growing demand for this advanced sonic weapon.
Although medical research on the health impacts of acoustic weapons is limited, some existing studies indicate that these devices, originally developed for military use, might have been assessed under biased conditions, often resulting in inconclusive or skewed findings. Improper usage or insufficient operator knowledge can lead to severe, unintended injuries. Sound cannons, engineered to produce extremely loud sounds, can inflict significant damage to the eardrums and delicate structures of the inner ear, potentially causing permanent hearing loss.
Earplugs or covering the ears might provide some protection, but they often fail to prevent major damage. Manufacturers advise keeping sound cannons at least 10–20 meters away to minimize harm. The dangers extend beyond the intended targets; law enforcement officers operating these devices are also at high risk and are strongly urged to wear ear protection. Besides causing hearing damage, acoustic weapons can rupture the delicate membranes in the middle and inner ear and, when used at close range, can even damage vital organs like the lungs.
Since 2016, the deployment of LRADs and other acoustic weapons has surged. Nations such as China, Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and the United States have increasingly embraced these sonic devices. This trend has raised alarms among professional organizations like ‘Audiology Australia,’ which warn of potential permanent hearing loss and other auditory issues. “The misuse of LRADs is a real concern, as they can easily be set to dangerously high decibel levels,” noted ‘Audiology Australia.’
With rising geopolitical tensions, as shown by the recent China-Philippines incident, the impact of acoustic warfare stretches beyond physical harm. These devices are increasingly defining maritime confrontations, altering the strategies and dynamics of nations involved in territorial disputes, and introducing new complexities to the global security environment.
