Last year I mentioned a device that uses high-frequency sound to deter teenagers from loitering around an area.  It works on the idea that as we get older our ability to hear high frequencies decreases.

Well, the teenagers have turned the tables and begun using the sound as a ringtone so their phones can’t be heard by adults (or so they think).

The article links to an MP3 of the sound.  According to the inventor of the teenage-repellent device, people over 30 aren’t supposed to be able to hear it.  Just for grins I decided to try it out.  Even at the advanced age of 35 ( ), and with my ears still bothering me from an infection (I finally gave in and started taking the steroids today), I could hear it.  In fact, it was quite annoying and almost painful.

It reminded me of a combination of monitor whine and the sound of an overloaded phaser from Star Trek.  If I heard someone’s phone making that sound I’d be inclined to throw it in the nearest trash can to contain the coming explosion.