Why is the human ear especially sensitive to sounds near 4,000 hertz?

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Watch a suspended vibrating spring to learn about the propagation of sound waves — sound Learn about the propagation of sound waves from a point source by observing the motion of a suspended vibrating spring.

The human ear is especially sensitive to sounds near 4,000 hertz primarily due to the physical properties of the external auditory canal.

Acting as a closed tube approximately two centimeters long, the ear canal possesses a specific resonance that naturally amplifies sound waves in the frequency range between 2,000 and 7,000 hertz. This resonance enhancement is significant because it increases the amount of sound energy reaching the tympanic membrane, thereby lowering the threshold of hearing at these frequencies. This heightened sensitivity is biologically important, as it aids in the clear distinction of consonant sounds in human speech.12