Humans can hear sounds from about 20 Hz (a deep rumble) up to about 20,000 Hz (a very thin, high whine). Few adults hear the full range. The top end usually drops as we get older.
Quick answer
Young children may hear close to 20 kHz. Many adults hear up to somewhere between about 12 and 16 kHz. Our Frequency Range Test lets you check where your hearing, or your speaker, stops.
Typical upper limit by age (approximate)
| Age | Typical highest frequency |
|---|---|
| Under 20 | 17 to 20 kHz |
| 20s | 15 to 17 kHz |
| 30s to 40s | 13 to 15 kHz |
| 50s | 11 to 13 kHz |
| 60+ | 8 to 12 kHz |
These are rough averages. Individual results vary a lot, and loud noise exposure can lower them sooner.
Why high frequencies fade
The inner ear has tiny hair cells tuned to different pitches. The cells for high pitches are hit by every sound and wear out first. This natural change is called presbycusis. Loud music and noise speed it up.
How to test yourself
- Use good headphones in a quiet room.
- Set your volume to a comfortable level. Don’t turn it up to chase sounds you can’t hear.
- Open the Frequency Range Test, start the sweep, and press Mark when the sound disappears.
- Repeat two or three times and take the middle result.
An online test is for curiosity and checking speakers. It is not a medical hearing test. If you notice hearing changes, ringing in your ears, or trouble following conversations, see a doctor or audiologist.
Is it your ears or your speaker?
Phone and laptop speakers often roll off high frequencies too. If the sound disappears early, try the same test with headphones. If headphones go higher, your speaker was the limit. You can also test single pitches with the Tone Generator.
Protect the hearing you have
Keep headphones below about 60% volume for long listening, take breaks, and use earplugs at loud events. Our decibel guide explains safe listening times.
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