Range of Audibility: A Review
Audition is an important sense for humans and other animals. The range of audibility is the lowest and highest frequencies that can be heard by a listener. In this article, the range of audibility is reviewed and discussed, including the factors that influence the range of audibility.
The range of audibility is the range of sound frequencies that can be heard by a listener. Generally, the range of audibility for humans is from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Humans can hear sounds lower than 20 Hz, but they do not detect them as sound, but as vibrations. Similarly, humans can also hear sounds higher than 20,000 Hz, but they cannot detect them as sound. The range of audibility can be affected by age, physical condition, and environment.
Age is a major factor in the range of audibility. As people age, the range of audibility decreases and the sensitivity to loud noises decreases. It is estimated that by the age of 65, the range of audibility decreases to between 5,000 Hz and 7,000 Hz.
Physical condition is another factor that affects the range of audibility. People who are in good physical condition generally have a wider range of audibility than those who are not. For example, people with poor hearing may not be able to hear sounds below 1,000 Hz or above 12,000 Hz.
Environment is also a factor in the range of audibility. Loud noises, such as construction noise or traffic noise, can interfere with the range of audibility, making it difficult to hear low-frequency sounds. Similarly, quiet environments can make it difficult to hear high-frequency sounds.
In conclusion, the range of audibility varies from person to person and is affected by age, physical condition, and environment. It is important to be aware of the range of audibility and take steps to protect it, such as wearing ear protection in loud environments.
References
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