What is the audible range of the average human ear?

The audible range of the average human ear refers to the frequencies of sound that a typical individual can hear. This range typically spans from approximately 20 Hertz (Hz) to 20,000 Hertz (20 kHz). Here’s a breakdown of this audible spectrum:

– Low Frequencies (20 Hz to 200 Hz): Sounds within this range are considered low-frequency sounds. Starting at around 20 Hz, these sounds are profoundly deep and can often be felt as vibrations more than heard. Examples include the deep bass tones in music or the rumble of thunder.

– Mid Frequencies (200 Hz to 5 kHz): Covering a substantial portion of everyday sounds, this range includes the fundamental frequencies of many musical instruments, human speech, and most common environmental sounds.

– High Frequencies (5 kHz to 20 kHz): Sounds within this range are higher-pitched and are associated with clarity and brightness. Not everyone can perceive frequencies at the upper limit of 20 kHz, and sensitivity to these high frequencies can decrease with age.

It’s important to recognize that an individual’s ability to hear across this audible spectrum can vary based on factors such as age, genetic predisposition, and unique differences in hearing sensitivity. As people age, particularly as they grow older, the capability to perceive higher frequencies often diminishes. Consequently, some individuals may have a narrower audible range or reduced sensitivity to certain frequencies compared to others.