<P> Hearing range describes the range of frequencies that can be heard by humans or other animals, though it can also refer to the range of levels . The human range is commonly given as 20 to 20,000 Hz, though there is considerable variation between individuals, especially at high frequencies, and a gradual loss of sensitivity to higher frequencies with age is considered normal . Sensitivity also varies with frequency, as shown by equal - loudness contours . Routine investigation for hearing loss usually involves an audiogram which shows threshold levels relative to a normal . </P> <P> Several animal species are able to hear frequencies well beyond the human hearing range . Some dolphins and bats, for example, can hear frequencies up to 100,000 Hz . Elephants can hear sounds at 14--16 Hz, while some whales can hear infrasonic sounds as low as 7 Hz (in water). </P>

Frequency of the lowest sound that the normal human ear can perceive