Answer
The total range of human hearing, often referred to as the audible frequency range, spans from approximately 20 Hertz (Hz) to 20,000 Hz (20 kilohertz or kHz). This range represents the frequencies that most people can hear under normal conditions, from the lowest-pitched sounds to the highest-pitched sounds.
However, the narrower range in which humans hear best and are most sensitive is generally between 2,000 Hz and 5,000 Hz. This is known as the "speech frequency range" or the "critical band." Within this frequency range, our hearing is most acute and sensitive, particularly for speech sounds. This sensitivity is vital for effective communication, as many speech sounds and consonants fall within this range.
The perception of sound quality and loudness can vary depending on the frequency and amplitude of the sound waves. Our hearing is less sensitive to very low frequencies (below 20 Hz) and very high frequencies (above 20,000 Hz), which is why these extreme ends of the audible frequency range are often less important for everyday auditory experiences.
In summary, the total range of human hearing spans from approximately 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. However, the narrower range in which humans hear best, especially for speech and communication, is typically between 2,000 Hz and 5,000 Hz.
Work Step by Step
The total range of human hearing, often referred to as the audible frequency range, spans from approximately 20 Hertz (Hz) to 20,000 Hz (20 kilohertz or kHz). This range represents the frequencies that most people can hear under normal conditions, from the lowest-pitched sounds to the highest-pitched sounds.
However, the narrower range in which humans hear best and are most sensitive is generally between 2,000 Hz and 5,000 Hz. This is known as the "speech frequency range" or the "critical band." Within this frequency range, our hearing is most acute and sensitive, particularly for speech sounds. This sensitivity is vital for effective communication, as many speech sounds and consonants fall within this range.
The perception of sound quality and loudness can vary depending on the frequency and amplitude of the sound waves. Our hearing is less sensitive to very low frequencies (below 20 Hz) and very high frequencies (above 20,000 Hz), which is why these extreme ends of the audible frequency range are often less important for everyday auditory experiences.
In summary, the total range of human hearing spans from approximately 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. However, the narrower range in which humans hear best, especially for speech and communication, is typically between 2,000 Hz and 5,000 Hz.
