Ultrasonic Sound Test: Mosquito Ringtone & Hearing Age

As we age, we naturally lose the ability to hear high frequencies. This test uses ultrasonic tones (sounds above 15 kHz) to estimate your "hearing age."

The "Mosquito Ringtone" (17.4 kHz)

The most famous high-frequency sound is the Mosquito Tone at approximately 17.4 kHz.

• Teenagers (< 25): Can usually hear it clearly as a sharp, annoying buzz.
• Adults (> 25): Often cannot hear it at all.

This phenomenon was famously used by teenagers as a "secret ringtone" in classrooms—teachers (older adults) couldn't hear the phones ringing, while students could.

Hearing Age Reference Chart

Use the player above to sweep through these frequencies. Where does the sound disappear for you?

Frequency	Typical Age Limit	Status
8,000 Hz	Everyone	Standard hearing
12,000 Hz	Age 50+	Middle age limit
15,000 Hz	Age 40	"High fidelity" loss begins
16,000 Hz	Age 30	Typical adult limit
17,400 Hz	Age 24	The "Mosquito" tone
19,000 Hz	Age 20	Excellent hearing
20,000 Hz	Child / Teen	Peak human range
22,000 Hz+	Ultrasonic	Dogs/Cats/Bats only

Why Do We Lose High Frequencies?

This condition is called Presbycusis (age-related hearing loss). Inside your cochlea (inner ear), there are thousands of tiny hair cells responsible for detecting sound. The hair cells at the base of the cochlea detect high frequencies, while those at the apex detect low frequencies.

Because sound waves must pass the base to reach the rest of the cochlea, the high-frequency hair cells are exposed to the most wear and tear over a lifetime. Once these cells die, they do not regenerate.

Beyond Human Hearing

While humans cap out around 20 kHz, the animal kingdom goes much higher:

• Dogs: Up to 45 kHz (Silent dog whistles work in the 23–54 kHz range)
• Cats: Up to 64 kHz
• Bats: Up to 110 kHz (Echolocation)
• Dolphins: Up to 150 kHz

Practical Uses for Ultrasound

1. Pest Control: Some devices emit ultrasonic pulses (20-60 kHz) to repel rodents and insects, though efficacy is debated.
2. Medical Imaging: Ultrasound scans use frequencies in the Megahertz (MHz) range (millions of Hz) to visualize internal organs.
3. Cleaning: Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency vibrations in fluid to clean jewelry and electronics.

FAQ

Why can I hear a "click" but not the tone?

If you hear a click when playing a high frequency but no continuous sound, you are hearing the speaker's diaphragm engaging (a transient noise), not the frequency itself. This confirms the sound is playing, but your ears cannot detect the pitch.

Can this damage my speakers?

Standard speakers can handle these frequencies, but playing high-amplitude ultrasonic waves for long periods can overheat tweeters (the small speaker drivers). Use moderate volume and short bursts.

Why do I hear it on my phone but not my computer?

Smartphone speakers often have aggressive audio processing or physical limitations that roll off high frequencies. High-quality headphones or studio monitors are best for this test.

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Related Tools:

• Hearing Test - A full clinical-style audiogram
• Frequency Sweep - Test your full range (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
• Tinnitus Frequency - Find your "ringing" pitch