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Hearing range describes the frequency range 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, although there is considerable variation between individuals, especially at high frequencies, and a gradual loss of sensitivity to higher frequencies ...
Noise from traffic, in particular, is considered by the World Health Organization to be one of the worst environmental stressors for humans, second only to air pollution. [2] Elevated workplace or environmental noise can cause hearing impairment, tinnitus, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, annoyance, and sleep disturbance.
The audible frequency range for humans is typically given as being between about 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz (20 kHz), though the high frequency limit usually reduces with age. Other species have different hearing ranges. For example, some dog breeds can perceive vibrations up to 60,000 Hz. [7]
High noise levels can contribute to cardiovascular effects in humans and an increased incidence of coronary artery disease. [7] [8] In animals, noise can increase the risk of death by altering predator or prey detection and avoidance, interfere with reproduction and navigation, and contribute to permanent hearing loss. [9]
Noise-cancelling headphones and sound-isolating earphones can help one avoid turning the volume up to overcome loud background noise. Sound measurement apps can help one find out how loud sounds are. If not measuring the sound levels, a good rule of thumb is that sounds are potentially hazardous if it is necessary to speak in a raised voice to ...
Once lost this way, hearing cannot be restored in humans. [3] There are a variety of prevention strategies available to avoid or reduce hearing loss. Lowering the volume of sound at its source, limiting the time of exposure and physical protection can reduce the impact of excessive noise. [4]
Hearing becomes gradually less sensitive as frequency decreases, so for humans to perceive infrasound, the sound pressure must be sufficiently high. Although the ear is the primary organ for sensing low sound, at higher intensities it is possible to feel infrasound vibrations in various parts of the body.
Baguley said for example the noise can be attributed to environmental causes, such as industrial machinery at a nearby factory or an industrial fan. [1] [19] But he also found that the majority of cases remain unexplained. Baguley said, "I think most people view the hum as a fringe belief because it's so subjective — people say they hear ...