The Dangers of Sonar Pulses: Human Injuries Underwater

Sonar pulses are used by ships to navigate and "see" underwater. The Australian navy divers sustained minor injuries, likely due to sonar pulses from a Chinese navy vessel while clearing fishing nets. Sonar can cause discomfort and health impacts to humans, such as dizziness, disorientation, temporary memory and concentration impacts, or temporary hearing loss. Marine animals, especially marine mammals, can also experience hearing damage from sonar, disrupting their critical behaviors.