Question map
Which one of the following frequency ranges is sensitive to human ears ?
Explanation
The human ear is sensitive to a specific range of sound frequencies known as the audible range. This range is commonly defined as 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz) [2]. Frequencies below 20 Hz are classified as infrasound, while those above 20,000 Hz are termed ultrasound [2]. While the lower limit of 20 Hz remains relatively stable, the upper limit of 20,000 Hz is most accurate for young people with healthy hearing. As humans age or experience prolonged exposure to loud noises, sensitivity to higher frequencies typically diminishes, often dropping to an upper limit of 12,000 Hz to 17,000 Hz in adults [2]. Despite these individual variations, the standard scientific and clinical benchmark for the human audible spectrum remains 20–20,000 Hz.
Sources
- [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK10924/