As we have discussed various methods of recording, as well as the devices that elicit the best results, I have been wondering how students’ perceptions of the final products differ. Similar to how some people are able to see more colors than others, hearing varies between individuals as well.
Linked is an Audio Spectrum Test, used to analyze the range of frequencies you can hear. Around when could you no longer hear anything?
I was unable to hear the frequency at around 15,500. According to Amplifon, hearing care professionals, “the ‘normal’ hearing frequency range of a healthy young person is about 20 – 20,000Hz.” If you are able to hear 20,000Hz clearly, you have what would be considered to be “superhuman” hearing. Although I was initially worried about my hearing health, this got me wondering: How does this affect my everyday listening experience?
Am I unable to experience the same sensations as others with healthier hearing? This is extremely tough to gauge because as of now, our hearing is all that we know. We are unable to experience another person’s listening experience, similar to how we are unable to see color through another person’s eyes. Despite us not regularly consuming media that is 20,000Hz, understanding your hearing health can give you confidence in what you perceive (if it is healthy). I recommend taking this test and finding out for yourself.
According to research by the American Council of Science and Health, some “people can tell if a note is higher or lower than another note, but cannot hear the pitch.” With this research, you can conclude that people’s every listening experiences differ from one another. If you are able to hear the 20,000Hz frequency, your hearing is extremely abnormal and is tied to being a more apt musician.
https://www.amplifon.com/au/blog/human-hearing-range
https://www.acsh.org/news/2016/06/09/different-people-hear-music-differently