Which type of wave can humans typically hear?

Humans can typically hear audible sound, which refers to sound waves that fall within the frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz). This range encompasses the sounds produced by many natural and man-made sources, allowing us to hear music, speech, and environmental noises. Audible sound waves stimulate the eardrum and then travel through the auditory system to the brain, where they are interpreted as sounds.

In contrast, infrasound refers to sound waves with frequencies below 20 Hz, which are typically inaudible to humans. Ultrasound consists of sound waves with frequencies above 20 kHz, also beyond human hearing capabilities. Seismic waves, which are generated by geological activities such as earthquakes, can be either longitudinal or transverse waves but are not classified as sound waves in the audible range for humans. Thus, audible sound is the only option that aligns with the frequencies we can perceive.