How does a dog's hearing range compare to humans?
Written by
Robert Brown
Reviewed by
Prof. Henry Webster, Ph.D.Your pooch can hear in a 40 Hz-60 kHz frequency range (while we max out at 20 kHz). This means that not only do they listen to sounds we can't hear, but your dog can also hear the rodents communicating with ultrasonic calls that are clearly inaudible to you. Their extended range of hearing into the high frequencies gives them an immediate sensory advantage over us in their daily lives.
Volume sensitivity differs hugely, too. Dogs can hear sounds that are 5-15 decibels lower than humans can. Your crinkly treat bag is two rooms away. No problem! It's why your dog knows there's thunder out there before you hear it!
Frequency Detection
- Dogs hear up to 60,000 Hz
- Humans max at 20,000 Hz
- This gap creates ultrasonic awareness
Sound Localization
- Dogs rotate ears 180° independently
- Humans have fixed ear positioning
- Canines pinpoint sources faster
Volume Sensitivity
- Dogs detect sounds below human thresholds
- This aids in hunting and alertness
- Explains doorbell reactions before ringing
Ear Mobility Creates Directional Superiority. Your dog uses 18 muscles per ear; we have six muscles to utilize the movement that our ears can make. Being less limited by an "ear to the ground" approach as we walk, his biological advantages allow him to pinpoint the rustling of a squirrel in the bushes even before having seen it move. His ears function like satellite dishes, scanning the environment for threats.
Evolution accounts for these differences: dogs evolved an ability to detect ultrasonic sounds to help them hunt little critters such as rodents, while we evolved hearing tuned for key aspects of speech that happen at lower frequencies, usually below 8 kHz. Your dog's ears continue to be survival tools while yours prioritize communicating and socializing.
Safeguard your dog's wonderful sense of hearing. Refrain from having your dog experience fireworks displays nearby. Use noise, such as white noise, during storms. Get a regular (yearly) hearing evaluation from a veterinarian. These actions will help maintain your dog's natural abilities throughout its lifetime.
Read the full article: Dog Hearing Range Explained Simply
