Frequency:
* Range: We can hear sounds between approximately 20 Hz (very low, like a deep rumble) to 20,000 Hz (very high, like a high-pitched whistle). This is called our "auditory range."
* Sensitivity: We are most sensitive to sounds between 2,000 Hz and 5,000 Hz, which includes most speech sounds.
* Age: Our hearing range tends to shrink with age, particularly at the higher frequencies.
Sound Types:
* Speech: The most important sounds we hear, allowing us to communicate and understand language.
* Music: A complex blend of sounds, including tones, rhythms, and harmonies, that evokes emotions and provides pleasure.
* Environmental: Sounds from our surroundings like rain, wind, traffic, birds, and nature.
* Human-made: Sounds from machines, vehicles, tools, and electronic devices.
Beyond Sound:
* Vibration: We can actually "feel" vibrations through our skin, especially at lower frequencies.
* Body Sounds: We hear sounds from our own bodies, like our heartbeat, breathing, and digestion.
Important Note: The way we perceive and interpret sounds is incredibly complex and influenced by various factors like:
* Attention: We focus on some sounds while ignoring others.
* Experience: Our past experiences shape our perception of sound.
* Culture: Different cultures have different ways of interpreting and valuing sounds.
Ultimately, the sounds humans hear are a vast and ever-changing tapestry of information, emotion, and meaning.