Question about sound?

Ex-RoNiN · 6 Jul 2007 at 11:25

Do you guys know the names of the type of sounds that are too low and too high a frequency to be audible by the average human ear? I have "ultrasonic" and "subsonic", but I don't think these are the correct terms.

Samtheman1k · 6 Jul 2007 at 11:42

They are correct. Google the terms and you'll see explanations of what they mean...

rpstewart · 6 Jul 2007 at 11:43

Ultrasonic is correct for frequencies above human hearing (>15-20kHz), infrasonic is commonly used for frequencies below (<20Hz).

Subsonic is normally used to describe speeds below the speed of sound.

james.miller · 6 Jul 2007 at 11:44

rpstewart said:
Ultrasonic is correct for frequencies above human hearing (>15-20kHz), infrasonic is commonly used for frequencies below (<20Hz).

Subsonic is normally used to describe speeds below the speed of sound.

give that man a cookie

infrasonic = below the human threshold (around 16hz apparently)

Samtheman1k · 6 Jul 2007 at 11:48

According to dictionary.com

infrasonic:
Generating or using waves or vibrations with frequencies below that of audible sound.

subsonic:
Of less than audible frequency.

so either can be used really, infrasonic is probably better as it doesn't have the dual meaning relating to speed.

Ex-RoNiN · 6 Jul 2007 at 11:50

Fantastic thank you very much for your help, appreciate it

Docaroo · 6 Jul 2007 at 14:58

although the high end of human hearing can be upto 20kHz can't it?? depends on how good your hearing is and your exposure to loud noise...

ie everytime uve been to a gig and had ringing ears you've lost some hearing ability. I think the younger you are the higher freq you can hear and it diminishes towards 15kHz with age...