Some people can hear ultrasound frequencies that are inaudible to most due to their increased hearing ability, notably resulting from age (younger) or previous exposure to high frequencies.
Every individual is born with a different hearing sensitivity, just as some naturally have sharper vision. The secret mainly lies in the sensory cells located in our inner ear: some people have more of these cells or more sensitive cells, making them ultra-precise sensors for very high-pitched sounds that are otherwise inaudible. Among some lucky individuals with particularly keen hearing, the usual threshold for perceivable sound, which is around 20 kHz, can be surpassed, allowing them to perceive those famous high frequencies that are normally silent to other ears. This natural phenomenon remains rare and often subtle, but it is enough for a few privileged individuals to clearly hear noises considered ultrasonic by the majority.
As we age, we naturally lose auditory sensitivity, especially in the high frequencies. Young people, with their inner ear in top shape, easily perceive very high-pitched sounds (often beyond 18 kHz). Then, over time, we gradually lose some hair cells in the ear (these tiny cells that capture sounds). This is called presbycusis. As a result, adults and especially older individuals struggle to hear those famous ultrasound sounds that kids sometimes perceive without issue. Some teenagers even use super high-pitched ringtones on their phones, undetectable by adults, to be discreet. Smart, right?
Our ability to hear certain frequencies partly depends on our genetic makeup. Some people inherit genes that give them a hearing system that is naturally more sensitive to high-pitched sounds or able to pick up what the majority completely misses. These auditory traits can be passed down from generation to generation, much like eye color or height. This explains why, in some families, children easily perceive those famous ultrasounds, while their friends hear absolutely nothing at all.
Growing up or living for a long time in an environment rich in high-pitched sounds or ultrasounds can develop a heightened auditory sensitivity compared to most people. Those who regularly work with certain electronic or industrial equipment (such as audio technicians, electricians, or even some musicians) may become capable of hearing very high frequencies that are normally imperceptible. With continuous exposure, their brains gradually adapt by unconsciously focusing on these specific sounds, resulting in finer perception. Ultimately, a person's usual sound environment greatly influences their ability to discriminate unusual frequencies.
The brain is flexible and can train itself to better perceive certain sounds through neurological adaptation. Musicians or sound technicians, for example, often develop an increased sensitivity to certain frequencies because they are constantly challenged auditory-wise. As a result, they become capable of hearing very high-pitched sounds, close to ultrasounds, that most people don't even notice. The brain simply learns to better decipher such signals by reorganizing certain neural connections to be more efficient. It's a bit like the gym effect on your muscles, but applied to your ears and brain!
Young children and adolescents can generally hear sounds in frequency ranges much higher than adults, as the aging of the auditory hair cells gradually reduces this listening ability.
Repeated exposure to certain sounds can lead to neurological adaptation, making a person capable of perceiving certain frequencies that are otherwise ignored by the majority of individuals more sensitively.
Researchers have found that an increased sensitivity to high frequencies can sometimes predispose certain individuals to distinctly hear sounds emitted by electronic devices, such as chargers or LCD screens.
There is an ultrasonic frequency called the 'Mosquito,' which is sometimes used in certain public places to disperse groups of young people. This frequency is typically inaudible to adults but very bothersome to younger ears.
Yes, many electronic devices such as televisions, chargers, energy-saving lamps, alarm systems, or pest control devices can emit ultrasonic waves. Most people do not perceive them, but individuals with exceptional auditory sensitivity may detect their presence as a high-pitched or annoying whistling sound.
You can undergo a hearing test conducted by professional audiologists who assess your hearing threshold, including at high frequencies. Some simple online tests also allow for an approximate estimation of your sensitivity to ultrasound, but they do not replace a professional test.
Many animals, such as bats, dolphins, and dogs, have auditory systems adapted to perceive ultrasonic frequencies. This allows them to develop specific skills essential for their survival, such as echolocation for navigation and communication, or the efficient detection of prey, for example.
Even though hearing ability primarily depends on genetic and biological factors, certain practices such as regular auditory training, paying attention to one’s sound environment, or using specific devices can help slightly improve the perception of ultrasound, at least temporarily.
Most common ultrasonic sounds encountered in daily life are not hazardous; however, prolonged or intense exposure to certain industrial or medical ultrasounds could cause discomfort or, in rare cases, damage hearing. It is therefore recommended to take specific precautions in industrial or medical environments where ultrasonic levels are high.
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