An attempt to spy on American diplomats with antiquated or novel technology would not be employed intentionally if it is known to cause physical and mental harm. If we assume the sound waves or "atmospheric sonar" devices were deployed to track cell phones, computers, etc., and locate people to acquire information in electronic transmissions or in conversation, then it makes sense that the harm was  an unexpected side affect using the technology. Navy sonar methods have an unintended consequence of harming echolocation function (hearing loss) in pilot whales.  It does not help a spy learn what a diplomat is doing by harming the diplomat. If the spy wants to harm the diplomat he would use more lethal methods. Then the spy has no information.