Average Upper Frequency Limit by Age
While the lower limit generally stays near 20 Hz, the maximum detectable frequency decreases predictably by decade:
Children: Often hear up to 20,000 Hz or slightly higher.
Ages 18–20: Typically can hear up to 17,000–17,400 Hz.
Age 30: Most maintain responsiveness up to 16,000 Hz.
Age 40: Upper limit typically drops to 14,000–15,000 Hz.
Age 50: Most struggle to hear anything above 12,000 Hz.
Age 60+: Many adults experience a significant decline, with the upper limit often falling below 8,000–10,000 Hz.
