Hörspektrum

Hörspektrum refers to the range of sound frequencies that an organism can perceive. For humans, this spectrum typically spans from approximately 20 Hertz (Hz) to 20,000 Hertz. Hertz is the unit of frequency, measuring the number of sound wave cycles per second. Lower frequencies correspond to deeper sounds, while higher frequencies correspond to higher-pitched sounds.

The ability to hear within this spectrum can vary significantly between individuals and can change with age. As people get older, the upper limit of their hearing range often decreases, meaning they may struggle to hear very high-pitched sounds. This age-related hearing loss is a common phenomenon.

Different species have vastly different hörspektren. For instance, dogs can hear frequencies well above the human range, with some able to perceive sounds up to 40,000 Hz or even higher, which is why dog whistles are effective. Bats, which rely on echolocation, can hear and produce extremely high-frequency sounds, often exceeding 100,000 Hz. Conversely, some animals, like elephants, can hear very low-frequency sounds, known as infrasound, far below the human hearing threshold. Understanding an organism's hörspektrum is crucial in fields such as audiology, animal behavior research, and acoustics.