When we think about our amazing sense of hearing, most of us consider ourselves pretty well-equipped to detect a wide range of sounds. But when compared to some animals, our own hearing abilities appear quite limited!
While humans have a respectable hearing range, several animals have the ability to hear at much higher frequencies than us. These ultrasonic frequencies (above 20 kHz) are completely inaudible to us but serve vital purposes for many species. Here’s a look at the animals with the most impressive high-frequency hearing abilities:
The Greater Wax Moth: The Hearing Champion
The current record-holder for the highest frequency hearing belongs to the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella). Scientific research has confirmed that these moths can detect sound frequencies up to an astonishing 300 kHz. To put this in perspective, that’s over 15 times higher than the upper limit of human hearing!
The greater wax moth ultra-sensitive hearing is useful as a defense mechanism against bats, their primary predators. Many bats hunt using echolocation, emitting high-frequency calls and listening for the echoes to locate prey. By being able to detect these ultrasonic frequencies, the wax moth can hear bats coming and take evasive action.
Bats: Masters of Ultrasonic Echolocation
Speaking of bats, these flying mammals are famous for their echolocation abilities, which rely on producing and hearing high-frequency sounds. Bats have extremely sensitive hearing to support their nocturnal activities. Their hearing range varies by species, but some bats can detect sounds up to 200 kHz, though they’re less sensitive to frequencies below 10 kHz.
Most of the world’s bat species use ultrasonic frequencies for echolocation to navigate and find food in darkness. While most bats emit these sounds through their mouths, some species use their noses, and the ghost-faced bat uniquely uses its lips to produce sounds reaching frequencies up to 160 kHz.
Dolphins and Toothed Whales: Ocean Echolocators
Marine mammals have also developed remarkable high-frequency hearing capabilities, particularly dolphins and other toothed whales. Dolphins use echolocation to hunt for prey and navigate underwater, especially in murky conditions where visibility is poor. Their hearing range extends from about 20 Hz all the way up to 150,000 Hz (150 kHz).
According to research, different types of marine mammals have varying hearing ranges. High-frequency toothed whales, including certain dolphin and porpoise species, can hear frequencies from 275 Hz up to 160 kHz.
Conclusion
The next time you hear a sound, remember that there’s a whole world of acoustic information beyond human perception—ultrasonic frequencies used by animals for communication, navigation, hunting, and survival that we can only study and marvel at with specialised equipment.
If you have questions about your own hearing range or need assistance with hearing health, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Hearing Sense. While we can’t help you hear like a moth or a bat, we can ensure you’re making the most of your human hearing capabilities!
Have questions about your hearing health? Contact Hearing Sense at our Adelaide clinic today!
