Hörselspektrum

Hörselspektrum, often translated as "hearing spectrum" or "auditory range," refers to the range of sound frequencies that a particular organism, most commonly humans, can perceive. These frequencies are measured in Hertz (Hz), which represents the number of sound wave cycles per second. The human hearing spectrum typically extends from approximately 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Sounds below 20 Hz are considered infrasound, and sounds above 20,000 Hz are called ultrasound, neither of which is audible to the average human.

The upper limit of the human hearing spectrum, particularly the ability to hear high frequencies, tends to decrease with age. This phenomenon, known as presbycusis, is a common cause of age-related hearing loss. Environmental factors, such as prolonged exposure to loud noises, can also damage the auditory system and reduce the hearing spectrum. Certain medical conditions and medications can also affect a person's ability to hear certain frequencies.

Different species have vastly different hearing spectra. For example, dogs can typically hear frequencies up to 45,000 Hz, while bats and dolphins can perceive sounds well into the ultrasonic range, often exceeding 100,000 Hz. This ability is crucial for their survival, aiding in echolocation for navigation and hunting. Conversely, some animals, like elephants, can hear very low-frequency infrasound, which they may use for long-distance communication. Understanding the hearing spectrum is fundamental in audiology, acoustics, and bioacoustics.