What is the typical range of human hearing?

The typical range of human hearing spans from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz). This range defines the frequencies that most humans can perceive, allowing us to hear a variety of sounds from low bass notes to high-pitched tones. The lower limit, 20 Hz, corresponds to the lower end of sounds we can hear, such as deep rumbles or bass notes. The upper limit, 20,000 Hz, reflects the highest frequencies perceptible, which contribute to clarity and texture in music, speech, and environmental sounds.

This range can vary among individuals and can decrease with age or exposure to loud sounds, but it serves as a standard for understanding the auditory capabilities of most people. Frequencies below 20 Hz are termed infrasound, and those above 20 kHz are referred to as ultrasound, both of which are typically inaudible to humans.