hörspektren

Hörspektren, often translated as hearing spectra or audibility spectra, refers to the range of sound frequencies that an individual or a species can perceive. The human hearing spectrum typically extends from approximately 20 Hz (Hertz) at the lowest end to around 20,000 Hz at the highest end. Frequencies below 20 Hz are called infrasound, and those above 20,000 Hz are called ultrasound. These limits can vary significantly between individuals, with younger people generally having a wider hearing range, particularly at higher frequencies, which tends to decrease with age.

The sensitivity of hearing also varies across this spectrum. Humans are most sensitive to frequencies in the range of speech, roughly between 1,000 Hz and 4,000 Hz. This sensitivity is crucial for understanding spoken language. Different animal species have vastly different hörspektren. For example, dogs can hear frequencies up to 45,000 Hz, while bats can perceive sounds as high as 200,000 Hz, which is essential for their echolocation. Conversely, some animals, like elephants, can hear infrasound, which they use for long-distance communication. The study of hörspektren is important in fields such as audiology, acoustics, and bioacoustics.