Understanding Hearing Ranges: Infrasonic, Auditory, and Ultrasonic Sounds
- 15 hours ago
- 2 min read
By Dr. Bryan Rithesh Miranda
What is Hearing Range?
Hearing range refers to the spectrum of sound frequencies a living being can detect. For humans, this typically spans from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz), though this range narrows with age. Frequencies outside this range—lower or higher—fall into infrasonic and ultrasonic categories, respectively.
Categories of Sound Frequencies
1. Infrasonic Sounds
•Frequency Range: Below 20 Hz.
•Characteristics: These sounds are too low for humans to hear but can be felt as vibrations.
•Sources: Earthquakes, volcanoes, ocean waves, and some animals (like elephants).
Applications:
o Seismology: Detecting earthquakes and volcanic activity.
o Animal Research: Understanding how animals communicate over long distances.
o Medical Field: Studying body vibrations for diagnosing illnesses.
2. Auditory Sounds
•Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
•Characteristics: These are the sounds humans can perceive, encompassing everything from whispers to music.
•Sources: Everyday sounds like speech, music, and environmental noise.
Applications:
o Communication: Language and interpersonal interactions.
o Entertainment: Music and multimedia content.
o Alerts: Alarms and warning signals.
3. Ultrasonic Sounds
•Frequency Range: Above 20 kHz.
•Characteristics: Too high-pitched for human ears but detectable by certain animals like bats and dolphins.
•Sources: Industrial tools, medical equipment, and nature (e.g., echolocation in bats).
Applications:
o Medical Imaging: Ultrasound machines for diagnosing health conditions and monitoring pregnancies.
o Industry: Non-destructive testing, cleaning delicate equipment, and welding plastics.
o Security: Motion detectors and pest control devices.
Why Does Hearing Range Matter?
Understanding sound frequencies helps us design technology, monitor the environment, and even study animals. By exploring the limits of human hearing and beyond, we continue to find practical uses that enhance daily life and scientific discovery.
The hearing range—spanning infrasonic, auditory, and ultrasonic sounds—plays a crucial role in both nature and technology. While humans are limited to the auditory spectrum, innovations in sound technology allow us to harness frequencies beyond our natural capacity for medical, industrial, and environmental advancements.