Inaudibility: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• Derived from Latin roots: 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'audibilis' meaning 'able to be heard'.
• The term reflects the combination of silence or absence of sound with its opposite, the ability to hear.

Science

• Inaudibility can occur at very high or low frequencies, often outside the range of human hearing (20 Hz to 20 kHz).
• Certain animals can hear sounds that are inaudible to humans, such as dogs hearing high-pitched whistles.
• In acoustics, inaudible sounds can still affect objects or environments, such as how low-frequency sounds can make walls vibrate.

Psychology

• The perception of sound and its volume can vary significantly from person to person, making some sounds inaudible to certain individuals.
• Sound sensitivities in people can also influence their experience of inaudibility, particularly in those with auditory processing disorders.
• The phenomenon of selective hearing highlights that even audible sounds can become inaudible when distractions are present.

Literature

• In literature, the concept of inaudibility often symbolizes hidden emotions, thoughts, or truths that characters cannot express.
• Classic works sometimes explore themes of inaudibility, representing deeper societal issues that go unheard.
• Poets may use inaudibility metaphorically, conveying the idea of voices or sentiments that are overlooked in a noisy world.

Technology

• Advancements in sound technology can produce inaudible frequencies for purposes like pest control without harming other wildlife.
• In audio engineering, techniques are used to prevent inaudibility in recordings, ensuring all intended sounds are captured.
• Invisible sound waves are utilized in various industries, such as medical ultrasound, which remains inaudible to the human ear.