China ‘Harasses’ the Philippines with Long-Range Acoustic Weapons, Non-Lethal Devices That Can Cause Hearing Damage

The China Coast Guard (CCG) has allegedly utilized a long-range acoustic device (LRAD) to target vessels from the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea, as reported by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, noted in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that “for the first time, CCG-3103 employed an LRAD to intimidate a Philippine Coast Guard vessel, attempting to deter close proximity.”

According to crew members, the LRAD produced high-decibel sound waves that were not only excruciatingly painful but also posed a significant risk of permanent hearing loss, potentially leading to deafness.

Acoustic Weapons: The Sound Warfare

Long-Range Acoustic Devices (LRAD), also known as Acoustic Hailing Devices (AHD), are advanced loudspeakers capable of projecting powerful sound waves across extensive distances. Originally intended for communication purposes, they have also been employed in crowd control, with the potential to inflict permanent hearing damage due to their extremely high decibel output.

However, the LRAD can also be misused as a tool for harassment and disorientation of opponents.

Acoustic or sonic weapons, often referred to as “noise bazookas,” “sonic bullets,” and “sound cannons,” generate powerful sound waves that can be either painfully perceptible or unsettlingly imperceptible. These devices can serve various purposes, from amplifying messages to inflicting physical harm through overwhelming noise.

These technologies utilize the principles of sound wave physics, which involve pressure variations traveling through air or other mediums. Many acoustic weapons are designed to operate at ultra-high frequencies (above 20 kilohertz), low frequencies (below 100 hertz), or even infrasound (below 20 hertz).

Although the typical human hearing range is between 20 hertz and 20 kilohertz, these weapons can target frequencies beyond this spectrum, leading to physical effects such as nausea, disorientation, or hearing impairment, depending on their intensity.

As individuals age, their ability to detect high-frequency sounds decreases; however, they can still perceive loud low-frequency sounds, which can result in distressing effects.

The Emergence of LRADs

Acoustic technology, originally designed for crowd management in the early 1990s, transformed into a significant asset with the introduction of the Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD).

Following the terrorist attack on the USS Cole in October 2000, American Technology Corporation—now known as LRAD Corporation—created this device to address new security challenges.

Since the 1990s, both the US military and private sector have explored ultra- and infra-sonic technologies capable of causing tinnitus, discomfort, and even alterations in cognitive or behavioral responses at frequencies beyond human auditory perception.

The LRAD gained international recognition in November 2005 when it successfully deterred pirates attempting to hijack a cruise ship off the coast of Somalia. Its effectiveness in repelling threats quickly highlighted its significant capabilities, leading to its adoption by military and law enforcement agencies around the globe.

Whether utilized for communication purposes or as a deterrent against potential dangers, the LRAD has established itself as a multifunctional tool. Its compact design and portability facilitate easy transport, setup, and mounting in various locations.

Consider it an audio spotlight: when positioned beside or behind the LRAD, normal conversation is feasible. However, stepping directly into its beam results in an intensely painful auditory experience.

Today, LRAD Corporation announces that its devices are now available in over 100 countries, highlighting the increasing demand for this advanced sonic technology.

Health Risks: Beyond Just Noise

Although there is a scarcity of medical studies examining the health impacts of acoustic weapons, some available research indicates that these devices, originally created for military use, may have been assessed under biased circumstances, often leading to inconclusive or distorted findings. Inadequate training or misuse of these weapons can result in serious, unintended injuries.

Sound cannons, engineered to produce intensely loud noises, pose a significant risk of damaging the eardrums and sensitive structures within the inner ear, potentially leading to irreversible hearing loss.

While using earplugs or covering the ears may provide some level of protection, these strategies frequently fail to prevent substantial harm. Manufacturers advise maintaining a safe distance of 10–20 meters when operating sound cannons to mitigate risks.

The dangers extend beyond the intended targets. Law enforcement personnel who handle these devices are also at considerable risk and are strongly encouraged to utilize ear protection.

Acoustic weapons not only pose a risk of hearing impairment but can also damage the fragile membranes within the middle and inner ear. When used at close proximity, they have the potential to injure critical organs, including the lungs.

The Rise of Acoustic Warfare

Since 2016, the deployment of Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRADs) and similar sonic weapons has surged. Nations such as China, Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and the United States have increasingly integrated these technologies, raising alarms from professional bodies like ‘Audiology Australia.’

The organization has expressed concerns regarding the risk of irreversible hearing loss and other auditory complications linked to these devices. “The potential for LRADs to be misused is significant, as they can be adjusted to extremely high decibel levels,” noted ‘Audiology Australia.’

As geopolitical tensions escalate—highlighted by the recent incident between China and the Philippines—the ramifications of acoustic warfare go beyond immediate physical injuries. These devices are playing a growing role in maritime conflicts, affecting the strategies and interactions of nations involved in territorial disputes, and presenting new challenges within the global security framework.