Auditory Spectrum

The auditory spectrum refers to the range of frequencies that humans can detect and perceive as sound. It is the span of audible frequencies that can be perceived by the human ear.

Frequencies

The spectrum of audible frequencies typically ranges from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (or 20 kHz). This range covers the frequency of most sounds that humans encounter in their daily lives.

Hearing Range

The human hearing range is not uniform across all individuals. It can vary based on factors such as age, genetics, and exposure to loud noises. Generally, the hearing range is broader for young children and gradually decreases with age.

Pitch Perception

The auditory spectrum is divided into different pitch ranges, which represent the perceived frequency of a sound. Pitch is the subjective perception of how high or low a sound is. It is closely related to the frequency of a sound wave.

Ultrasonic and Infrasonic Frequencies

Beyond the upper limit of the audible spectrum, there exist ultrasonic frequencies, which are higher than 20,000 Hz. These frequencies, though inaudible to humans, can be detected by certain animals such as bats and dogs. Similarly, infrasonic frequencies, which are below 20 Hz, are also inaudible to humans, but some animals like elephants and whales can perceive them.

Applications

The understanding of the auditory spectrum and its various frequencies is essential in fields such as music, acoustics, communication, and audio engineering. It helps in designing sound systems, musical instruments, and audio recordings to optimize sound quality and ensure compatibility with human perception.