Video: Man With World’s Deepest Voice Hits Notes That Only Elephants Can Hear
Tim Storms, an American singer, holds the Guinness World Record for the lowest voice, capable of producing notes so deep that only elephants can hear them. His remarkable vocal ability allows him to reach frequencies as low as 0.189 Hz, (G-7) which is an amazing eight octaves below the lowest G on a piano. This extraordinary range not only makes him a unique vocalist but also a fascinating subject of study in the realms of biology and acoustics.
The Science Behind Deep Voices
Storms’ voice is not just a product of talent; it is also attributed to unique anatomical features. An ear, nose, and throat specialist discovered that Storms has vocal cords nearly twice as long as average, along with highly flexible arytenoid muscles surrounding them. This anatomical structure enables him to produce such low frequencies, which are categorized as infrasound—sounds below the human hearing range of 20 Hz.
Interestingly, while Storms can produce these incredibly low notes, he himself cannot hear them. He describes the experience as feeling the vibrations rather than hearing them, stating, “I can feel them though… it’s something more or less that I feel.” This phenomenon highlights the limitations of human hearing and the vast range of sound that exists beyond our perception.
Elephants and Infrasound
Elephants, known for their remarkable hearing capabilities, can detect infrasound frequencies ranging from 5 Hz to 16,000 Hz. This ability allows them to communicate over long distances and perceive sounds that are inaudible to humans. Storms’ voice falls within this infrasound range, making it possible for elephants to hear the notes he produces, which adds a fascinating layer to the relationship between humans and these majestic creatures.
Career and Impact
Tim Storms began his musical journey in Christian music shortly after graduating high school. Over the years, he has gained recognition not only for his vocal prowess but also for his contributions to various musical projects. Recently, he was selected for an international talent search for a choral piece called “Tranquility,” which required a singer capable of hitting exceptionally low notes.
His unique voice has also made him a sought-after figure in the Hollywood voice-over industry, where his deep tones are used to enhance the dramatic effect in film trailers. As he continues to explore the depths of his vocal capabilities, Storms has mentioned that he is getting lower with age, suggesting that he may further push the boundaries of human vocal range.
Conclusion
Tim Storms exemplifies the extraordinary potential of the human voice, challenging our understanding of sound and its perception. His ability to produce notes that resonate with elephants not only highlights the unique aspects of his biology but also opens up discussions about the nature of sound and communication across species. As research into vocal capabilities continues, Storms remains a captivating figure in the world of music and science.