Sound Frequency Chart (Hz): A Guide to Human Hearing and Acoustic Treatment

Sound frequency is the rate at which sound waves vibrate per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). Low frequencies vibrate slowly, producing deep sounds like bass or thunder. High frequencies vibrate much faster, creating sharp sounds like cymbals or a whistle.

The frequency of sound directly affects how it travels through air and interacts with surfaces. That’s why different acoustic materials are needed for different frequency ranges.

To better grasp how sound behaves, it's helpful to look at a sound frequency chart. Here's a breakdown of common ranges:

The human hearing range typically spans from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, though most people gradually lose sensitivity to higher frequencies as they age.

To understand how different acoustic treatments work, it's important to compare the characteristics of low and high frequency sounds.

Low frequency sound travels in longer waves. These waves carry more energy and are harder to control. They tend to pass through walls and floors easily, and can cause vibrations that are physically felt. This makes them difficult to block without specialized soundproofing materials like dense barriers, decoupling systems, or bass traps.

High frequency sound is much easier to absorb. These sounds reflect off hard surfaces and can create echo or reverb in untreated spaces. Materials like acoustic panels, ceiling clouds, and foam are typically used to reduce reflections and improve clarity.

Understanding these differences is critical to choosing the right acoustic treatment—especially in mixed-use spaces or rooms with a wide range of sound sources.

Sound doesn't just impact how a room sounds — it also affects how we feel. Each frequency range interacts with the human body and mind differently, and proper acoustic treatment can help alleviate the physical and mental stress caused by poor sound environments.

Low frequencies (especially under 80 Hz) can create discomfort, cause vibrations in the chest, and induce fatigue if not properly controlled. These sensations, while subtle, can lead to physical tension or anxiety in overly bass-heavy environments.

Mid frequencies are critical to communication. This is where human speech resides, so poor treatment of this range can lead to muddiness or difficulty understanding conversations.

High frequencies can be sharp and fatiguing. While less physically intrusive, they reflect rapidly and may build up in untreated areas. Overexposure can lead to stress, distraction, and auditory fatigue.

Understanding how sound affects the human body helps you make better treatment decisions. By matching the right acoustic materials to the frequency issues in your space, you not only improve sound clarity but also create an environment that supports wellbeing and productivity.

When treating a space, it's important to match your acoustic strategy to the frequency range causing issues. Here’s how Acoustical Solutions can help with targeted treatments:

When high, mid, and low frequencies are treated as a unified system—rather than in isolation—you achieve harmony in your space. For instance, combining bass traps in corners with mid-frequency panels along walls and high-frequency clouds above the listening area ensures even sound across the spectrum.

There are simple ways to identify frequency issues in a room:

Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can target your treatment. For example:

A deep rumble may need mass-loaded barriers or bass traps. These are effective in taming low-frequency issues caused by mechanical systems or bass-heavy audio setups.

Harsh echoes may need high-frequency absorbing panels. These materials help control reflections, making speech and music clearer.

Spaces with inconsistent acoustic performance—such as fluctuating sound levels or noticeable dead zones—often require a mix of solutions across the frequency spectrum.

Still unsure how sound frequency is affecting your space? From persistent low-end rumbles to piercing high-frequency reflections, the right acoustic treatment can completely transform a space.

Contact our team today! Our acoustic specialists are here to help you identify the source of the problem and guide you toward an effective, tailored solution.