Animal Hearing Ranges: How Different Species Perceive Sound
At a Glance
Hearing range describes the span of sound frequencies an animal can detect, measured in hertz (Hz) from the lowest to the highest audible tone. Humans typically hear from about 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, but other species have evolved hearing that extends far beyond this window. The table below summarizes the approximate hearing ranges of several species, with the understanding that exact values vary by measurement method, age, and individual differences.
| Species | Approximate Hearing Range | Best Sensitivity Region | Primary Hearing Adaptations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human | 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz | 2,000 to 5,000 Hz | Speech perception, broad mid-frequency sensitivity |
| Domestic cat | 48 Hz to 85,000 Hz | 500 to 8,000 Hz | Extended high-frequency hearing for rodent prey detection |
| Dog | 67 Hz to 45,000 Hz | 500 to 8,000 Hz | High-frequency sensitivity for hunting and communication |
| Mouse | 1,000 Hz to 90,000 Hz | 10,000 to 30,000 Hz | Ultrasonic vocalization and predator detection |
| Guinea pig | 50 Hz to 50,000 Hz | 1,000 to 8,000 Hz | Low-frequency vocalization processing |
| Moth | 20,000 to 60,000 Hz | 20,000 to 60,000 Hz | Bat echolocation detection and evasion |
| African mole-rat | Below 10,000 Hz | Near 1,000 Hz | Low-frequency seismic and vocal communication |
The practical implication for farmers, researchers, and animal handlers is straightforward: a sound that is clearly audible to one species may be faint or completely inaudible to another. This matters for facility design, noise management, behavioral observation, and experimental protocols involving laboratory or production animals.
Why Hearing Ranges Differ Across Species
The auditory system of each species reflects its ecological niche and survival demands. Animals that hunt small prey by sound, such as cats, tend to have extended high-frequency hearing because small rodents produce ultrasonic vocalizations and rustling sounds with high-frequency components. Animals that communicate with low-frequency calls across distances, such as mole-rats, prioritize sensitivity in a narrow low-frequency band.
The variation in hearing ability is not simply a matter of range width. Absolute sensitivity, meaning how loud a sound must be before it is detected, also differs substantially between species. A sound that is easily audible to one species may be less audible, or even inaudible, to another, even when both species can detect the same frequency band. This principle is central to any assessment of how sounds affect animals, as noted in the review of hearing ranges of laboratory animals published in the Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (Hearing ranges of laboratory animals).
The biological basis for these differences lies in the anatomy and physiology of the cochlea, the spiral structure in the inner ear that converts sound vibrations into neural signals. The cochlea is organized tonotopically, meaning different regions respond to different frequencies. Species with extended high-frequency hearing typically have specialized cochlear structures that allow detection of very short wavelength vibrations. Species with narrow low-frequency ranges often have enlarged middle ear structures that enhance low-frequency sound transmission.
Measuring Hearing Range in Animals
Behavioral Audiometry
Behavioral audiometry involves training an animal to respond when it hears a sound, then systematically varying the frequency and intensity to map the audible range. This method provides the most direct measure of what an animal can actually perceive. For example, the behavioral audiograms of two cats were used to establish the upper and lower hearing limits for the species, showing that the hearing range of the cat for sounds of 70 dB SPL extends from 48 Hz to 85 kHz, giving it one of the broadest hearing ranges among mammals (Hearing range of the domestic cat).
Behavioral testing requires significant time and training. The animal must learn to indicate reliably when it detects a sound, and the researcher must control for false positives and lapses in attention. The advantage is that behavioral audiometry measures the entire auditory pathway, from the ear to the brain, and reflects what the animal actually uses in its natural behavior.
Auditory Brainstem Response
Auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing measures the electrical activity of the auditory nerve and brainstem in response to sound stimuli. Electrodes placed on the scalp detect the neural signals, and the threshold is defined as the lowest sound intensity that produces a measurable response. ABR testing does not require training and can be performed on anesthetized animals, making it practical for large-scale studies.
ABR thresholds do not always match behavioral thresholds. The neural response measured by ABR reflects the activity of the auditory nerve and brainstem, but the final perception of sound involves higher brain centers. In a mouse model of cisplatin-induced hearing loss, ABR threshold shifts evoked by bone-conducted ultrasonic stimulation were significantly smaller than those within the conventional hearing range, showing that different stimulation pathways can produce different threshold measurements (Bone-conducted ultrasonic auditory brainstem response thresholds in a mouse model of cisplatin-induced hearing loss).
Otoacoustic Emissions
Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are sounds generated by the cochlea itself, either spontaneously or in response to stimulation. These emissions can be measured with a sensitive microphone placed in the ear canal and provide information about the function of the outer hair cells in the cochlea. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) are produced when two tones are presented simultaneously, and their presence indicates normal cochlear amplification.
OAEs are useful for non-invasive assessment of cochlear function. In African mole-rats, DPOAE and stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emissions displayed the highest amplitudes near 1 kHz, which corresponds to the region of best hearing in all tested species and to the frequency region of the low-frequency acoustic fovea previously described in Ansell's mole-rat (Otoacoustic emissions in African mole-rats). This finding confirms that the cochlea in African mole-rats shares the ability to generate evoked otoacoustic emissions with other mammals.
Species-Specific Hearing Profiles
Domestic Cat
The domestic cat has one of the broadest hearing ranges among mammals. Behavioral audiograms show that the hearing range for sounds of 70 dB SPL extends from 48 Hz to 85 kHz (Hearing range of the domestic cat). This extended high-frequency hearing allows cats to detect the ultrasonic vocalizations and movements of small rodent prey. Analysis suggests that cats evolved extended high-frequency hearing without sacrifice of low-frequency hearing, meaning they retain sensitivity to low-frequency sounds while also detecting very high frequencies.
For farmers and animal handlers, this means cats in a barn or facility will hear sounds that humans cannot detect. High-frequency noises from electronic equipment, rodent activity, or other animals may be audible to cats and could influence their behavior even when humans perceive the environment as quiet.
Laboratory Rodents
Mice, rats, guinea pigs, gerbils, chinchillas, and rabbits are common animal models in auditory neuroscience research. Each species has a distinct hearing profile that must be considered when designing experiments. The hearing ranges of most species overlap to a large degree, but considerable variation occurs in high- and low-frequency hearing as well as in absolute sensitivity (Hearing ranges of laboratory animals).
Guinea pigs are particularly valuable for studying low-frequency hearing. The guinea pig animal model has been used to investigate the neural processing of complex sounds such as vocalizations, with techniques including behavioral testing, recording of auditory brainstem responses and frequency-following responses, and intracranial neural signals (Updates to the guinea pig animal model for in-vivo auditory neuroscience in the low-frequency hearing range). The methods developed for guinea pigs are applicable to a broad range of small mammals, making this species a versatile model for studying complex auditory processing.
Mice have become the dominant model in auditory research due to the availability of molecular tools and genetic manipulation techniques. However, the waning interest in other model species such as guinea pigs, gerbils, chinchillas, rabbits, and ferrets may limit the ability to test hypotheses that require species with specific hearing characteristics. For research questions about low-frequency hearing or vocalization processing, a non-mouse model may be better suited.
African Mole-Rats
African mole-rats display highly derived hearing characterized by low sensitivity and a narrow auditory range restricted to low frequencies below 10 kHz (Otoacoustic emissions in African mole-rats). These subterranean rodents communicate with low-frequency vocalizations that travel well through the soil and through their tunnel systems. The region of best hearing is near 1 kHz, which corresponds to the dominant frequencies of their vocalizations.
The external ear canals of African mole-rats are remarkably long, narrow, and curved, a morphological feature that complicates auditory measurements but likely serves to protect the ear from soil intrusion. Despite their restricted hearing range, the cochlea of African mole-rats shares the ability to generate evoked otoacoustic emissions with other mammals, indicating that the basic mechanisms of cochlear amplification are conserved.
Moths and Other Insects
Moths have evolved ears sensitive to ultrasonic bat calls as a counter-measure against predation pressure from echolocating bats. The best sensitivity across moths is in the bat echolocation range of 20 to 60 kHz, despite diverse ear morphology across species (Moth hearing and sound communication). Some eared moths subsequently developed sound-producing organs to warn, startle, or jam attacking bats, and some communicate intraspecifically with sound.
Recent findings reveal that close-range communication with low-intensity ultrasounds whispered by male moths during courtship is not uncommon, contrary to the general notion of moths predominantly being silent. The low intensities and high frequencies explain why this was overlooked, revealing a bias toward what humans can sense when studying acoustic communication in animals (Moth hearing and sound communication).
For agricultural contexts, this means that pest moths may respond to ultrasonic frequencies used by some electronic pest control devices. However, the effectiveness of such devices depends on the specific species and the intensity of the sound at the target location.
Practical Assessment of Hearing in Animals
Step 1: Define the Purpose of Assessment
Before measuring hearing in any animal, clarify why the information is needed. For a farmer, the question may be whether a specific noise source is disturbing livestock. For a researcher, the question may be whether a particular species is suitable for studying a specific aspect of auditory processing. For a veterinarian, the question may be whether an animal has hearing loss that affects its welfare.
Step 2: Select the Appropriate Measurement Method
Behavioral audiometry provides the most complete picture of what an animal can hear but requires training and time. ABR testing is faster and does not require training but measures neural responses instead of perception. Otoacoustic emissions assess cochlear function specifically and are useful for detecting outer hair cell damage.
The choice of method depends on the species, the setting, and the question being asked. For production animals, behavioral observation may be the most practical approach. For laboratory animals, ABR and OAE testing are standard.
Step 3: Account for Age and Health Status
Hearing ability changes with age in most species. Age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, typically affects high-frequency hearing first. In a study of anti-PD-1 therapy in mice, the apical-middle turns of the cochlea showed preservation of inner and outer hair cells, while treatment mitigated the age-related loss of outer hair cells in the basal turn above 32 kHz (Anti-PD-1 Therapy Does Not Influence Hearing Ability in the Most Sensitive Frequency Range, but Mitigates Outer Hair Cell Loss in the Basal Cochlear Region). This finding illustrates that high-frequency regions of the cochlea are particularly vulnerable to age-related changes.
Health conditions can also affect hearing. Cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug, can cause hearing loss predominantly at high frequencies (Bone-conducted ultrasonic auditory brainstem response thresholds in a mouse model of cisplatin-induced hearing loss). Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is associated with microcirculatory dysfunction and oxidative stress, with reduced cerebral blood flow and elevated oxidative stress markers observed in affected patients (Microcirculatory Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Insights From a Case-Control and Experimental Study).
Step 4: Interpret Results in Context
A hearing range measurement is only meaningful when interpreted in the context of the species, the individual animal, and the environment. A sound that is within the audible range of a species may still be inaudible to a specific individual due to age, disease, or noise exposure. Conversely, a sound that is outside the nominal hearing range may still be detected at high intensities due to non-linear cochlear responses.
Records and Measurements
Accurate record keeping is essential for any hearing assessment program. The following data should be recorded for each animal or group:
| Data Element | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Species and strain | Taxonomic identification and genetic background | Establishes expected hearing range and sensitivity |
| Age | Date of birth or estimated age | Accounts for age-related hearing changes |
| Sex | Male or female | Identifies potential sex differences in hearing |
| Measurement method | Behavioral, ABR, OAE, or combination | Determines what aspect of hearing was assessed |
| Threshold values | Frequency-specific thresholds in dB SPL | Provides quantitative comparison across animals |
| Environmental conditions | Ambient noise level, temperature, time of day | Controls for confounding variables |
| Health status | Current medications, recent illness, known conditions | Identifies factors that may affect hearing |
For laboratory animal facilities, these records support compliance with animal care standards and provide baseline data for longitudinal studies. For production animal operations, hearing assessments are less common, but records of behavioral responses to specific sounds can inform facility design and noise management.
Common Failure Patterns in Hearing Assessment
Assuming Human Hearing Is the Reference
The most common error in animal hearing assessment is assuming that what humans can hear represents what animals can hear. Moths communicate with low-intensity ultrasounds that humans cannot detect, which led to the long-standing misconception that moths are predominantly silent (Moth hearing and sound communication). Similarly, cats can hear frequencies up to 85 kHz, far beyond the human limit of about 20 kHz (Hearing range of the domestic cat).
Using a Single Measurement Method
Different measurement methods can produce different results. ABR thresholds may not match behavioral thresholds, and bone-conducted ultrasonic stimulation can produce threshold shifts that do not parallel those within the conventional hearing range (Bone-conducted ultrasonic auditory brainstem response thresholds in a mouse model of cisplatin-induced hearing loss). Relying on a single method may miss important aspects of auditory function.
Ignoring Individual Variation
Hearing ability varies between individuals within a species. Age, health status, and prior noise exposure all affect hearing thresholds. In the mouse study of cisplatin-induced hearing loss, 9 of 32 mice were excluded at baseline because of pre-existing high-frequency hearing impairment (Bone-conducted ultrasonic auditory brainstem response thresholds in a mouse model of cisplatin-induced hearing loss). This pre-existing variation would have confounded the results if not identified.
Overlooking Environmental Noise
The ambient noise level in the testing environment can mask the test stimuli and elevate measured thresholds. Testing should be conducted in a quiet environment, and the noise level should be recorded as part of the data. For production animals, the noise level in the housing facility may be highly variable, making it difficult to obtain reliable hearing measurements.
Welfare and Safety Context
Noise Exposure in Animal Facilities
Excessive noise can cause stress, hearing damage, and behavioral changes in animals. The hearing range of each species determines which sounds are potentially harmful. A sound that is inaudible to humans may be intensely loud to an animal with extended high-frequency hearing. Facility design should account for the hearing abilities of the species being housed.
Hearing Loss and Welfare
Hearing loss can affect animal welfare by reducing the ability to detect predators, communicate with conspecifics, and respond to environmental cues. In laboratory animals, hearing loss may confound experimental results, particularly in studies involving auditory stimuli. In production animals, hearing loss may affect responses to handling and management procedures.
Sensory Impairment and Frailty
Sensory impairment is associated with adverse health conditions in humans. A cross-sectional study of 105,406 participants from the UK Biobank found that hearing impairment was associated with increased odds of frailty, with odds ratios of 1.32 for insufficient hearing and 1.83 for poor hearing using the frailty phenotype definition (Association between Visual, Hearing and Dual Sensory Impairment and the Frailty Syndrome). Dual sensory impairment, involving both visual and hearing impairment, was associated with even higher odds of frailty at 2.22. While this study involved humans, it highlights the broader importance of sensory function for overall health and well-being.
Hearing Screening in Newborns
Universal newborn hearing screening enables early identification and timely intervention for hearing impairment. A prospective observational study of 1,460 neonates found a prevalence of confirmed hearing loss of 5.3 per 1,000 in healthy neonates and 23.3 per 1,000 in high-risk neonates (Hearing Screening in Newborns: Bridging the Gap Between Normal and High-Risk Infants). The screening protocol used otoacoustic emissions followed by brainstem evoked response audiometry for confirmation. This approach demonstrates the value of systematic screening for early detection of hearing problems.
Limitations of Hearing Range Data
Measurement Conditions Affect Results
Hearing range measurements depend on the intensity of the test stimulus. The range typically expands as the stimulus intensity increases. The cat hearing range of 48 Hz to 85 kHz was established for sounds of 70 dB SPL (Hearing range of the domestic cat). At lower intensities, the range would be narrower.
Species Differences Within Groups
The hearing range of a species is not a fixed value. Different strains, breeds, and individuals within a species can have different hearing abilities. Laboratory animal strains are often selected for specific characteristics, which may affect their hearing. The hearing ranges of laboratory animals vary considerably in high- and low-frequency hearing as well as in absolute sensitivity (Hearing ranges of laboratory animals).
Evolutionary and Ecological Context
Hearing ranges reflect the evolutionary history and ecological niche of each species. A species that evolved in a quiet environment may have different hearing abilities than a species that evolved in a noisy environment. The hearing of African mole-rats is restricted to low frequencies below 10 kHz, reflecting their subterranean lifestyle and the acoustic properties of their tunnel systems (Otoacoustic emissions in African mole-rats).
Technical Limitations of Measurement
Measuring hearing in animals presents technical challenges. The external ear canals of African mole-rats are remarkably long, narrow, and curved, which complicated otoacoustic emission measurements (Otoacoustic emissions in African mole-rats). Similar anatomical features in other species may affect the accuracy of hearing measurements.
Professional Escalation Criteria
When to Consult an Audiology Specialist
Hearing assessment in animals requires specialized knowledge and equipment. Consult an audiology specialist or veterinary professional with expertise in auditory function when:
- The hearing assessment is part of a research study that will be published or used for regulatory purposes
- The animal shows signs of hearing loss that may affect its welfare
- The hearing assessment requires specialized equipment such as ABR or OAE systems
- The results of the hearing assessment will be used to make management decisions about individual animals
When to Escalate to a Veterinarian
A veterinarian should be consulted when:
- An animal shows sudden changes in behavior that may indicate hearing loss
- An animal has an ear infection, injury, or other condition that may affect hearing
- A production animal is not responding to handling or management procedures that rely on auditory cues
- A laboratory animal is being used in a study where hearing status may affect the results
When to Review Facility Design
Facility design should be reviewed when:
- Animals show signs of stress or behavioral changes that may be related to noise
- New equipment or processes introduce new noise sources
- The hearing range of the species being housed is not accounted for in the facility design
- Complaints about noise are received from workers or neighbors
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hearing range of a domestic cat?
The hearing range of the domestic cat for sounds of 70 dB SPL extends from 48 Hz to 85 kHz, giving it one of the broadest hearing ranges among mammals (Hearing range of the domestic cat). This extended high-frequency hearing allows cats to detect the ultrasonic vocalizations and movements of small rodent prey.
How does human hearing compare to animal hearing?
Humans typically hear from about 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, with best sensitivity in the 2,000 to 5,000 Hz range. Many animals have hearing ranges that extend beyond the human range, particularly at high frequencies. Cats can hear up to 85 kHz, and moths have best sensitivity in the 20 to 60 kHz range used by bat echolocation (Moth hearing and sound communication).
What is the lowest animal hearing range?
African mole-rats have a narrow auditory range restricted to low frequencies below 10 kHz, with best hearing near 1 kHz (Otoacoustic emissions in African mole-rats). These subterranean rodents communicate with low-frequency vocalizations that travel well through soil and tunnel systems.
What is the highest animal hearing range?
Among mammals, the domestic cat has one of the broadest hearing ranges, extending to 85 kHz (Hearing range of the domestic cat). Some rodents and bats can hear frequencies above 100 kHz, though the exact upper limits vary by species and measurement method.
How is animal hearing measured?
Animal hearing is measured using behavioral audiometry, auditory brainstem response testing, or otoacoustic emissions. Behavioral audiometry trains the animal to respond when it hears a sound. ABR testing measures the electrical activity of the auditory nerve and brainstem. Otoacoustic emissions measure sounds generated by the cochlea itself.
Why do different species have different hearing ranges?
Hearing ranges reflect the ecological niche and survival demands of each species. Animals that hunt small prey by sound have extended high-frequency hearing. Animals that communicate with low-frequency calls have sensitivity in narrow low-frequency bands. The variation in hearing ability is a result of natural selection acting on the auditory system.
Can animals hear sounds that humans cannot?
Yes, many animals can hear sounds that are inaudible to humans. Cats can hear frequencies up to 85 kHz, far beyond the human limit of about 20 kHz (Hearing range of the domestic cat). Moths communicate with low-intensity ultrasounds in the 20 to 60 kHz range that humans cannot detect (Moth hearing and sound communication).
Does hearing loss affect animal welfare?
Hearing loss can affect animal welfare by reducing the ability to detect predators, communicate with conspecifics, and respond to environmental cues. In humans, hearing impairment is associated with increased odds of frailty, with odds ratios of 1.32 for insufficient hearing and 1.83 for poor hearing (Association between Visual, Hearing and Dual Sensory Impairment and the Frailty Syndrome). Similar principles likely apply to animals, though direct evidence is limited.
Related Articles
References and Further Reading
- NCBI Literature Resources. National Center for Biotechnology Information.
- PubMed. National Library of Medicine.
- Updates to the guinea pig animal model for in-vivo auditory neuroscience in the low-frequency hearing range.. Hearing research, 2022.
- Toward Optogenetic Hearing Restoration.. Annual review of neuroscience, 2024.
- Otoacoustic emissions in African mole-rats.. Hearing research, 2024.
- Glucocorticoid for Hearing Preservation After Cochlear Implantation: A Systemic Review and Meta-analysis of Animal Studies.. Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology, 2019.
- Hearing ranges of laboratory animals.. Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS, 2007.
- Moth hearing and sound communication.. Journal of comparative physiology. A, Neuroethology, sensory, neural, and behavioral physiology, 2015.
- Hearing range of the domestic cat.. Hearing research, 1985.
- Anti-PD-1 Therapy Does Not Influence Hearing Ability in the Most Sensitive Frequency Range, but Mitigates Outer Hair Cell Loss in the Basal Cochlear Region.. International journal of molecular sciences, 2020.
- Bone-conducted ultrasonic auditory brainstem response thresholds in a mouse model of cisplatin-induced hearing loss.. 2026.
- Comparison Between the Effect of Topical Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Absorbable Gelatin Sponge on Graft Uptake in Type 1 Tympanoplasty.. 2026.
- Microcirculatory Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Insights From a Case-Control and Experimental Study.. 2026.
- Hearing Screening in Newborns: Bridging the Gap Between Normal and High-Risk Infants.. 2026.
- Subclinical auditory dysfunction in a genetic rat model of childhood absence epilepsy.. 2026.
- Real life safety of systemic steroids for sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a chart review. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 2022.
- Association between Visual, Hearing and Dual Sensory Impairment and the Frailty Syndrome. Aging and Disease, 2025.
- Behavioral Animal Model of the Emotional Response to Tinnitus and Hearing Loss. Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology, 2018.
- Pneumatic whistle for animal hearing tests.. Laboratory animal science, 1979.
- Hearing ranges of laboratory animals. Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, 2007.
- Frequency-specific Animal Sound Test (FAST) 4: A valid method for hearing screening. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 2016.
- Pneumatic whistle for animal hearing tests. Laboratory Animal Science, 1979.
This article is educational and does not replace institutional policy, professional advice, or applicable safety and regulatory requirements.