Just like every other animal, mice do have ears. Perhaps you’ve seen them run away a couple of times when you come close.
And you wonder “How did they know I am coming?”
Quick Answer –
Yes, mice can hear very well. They have wide ears with loud sound receptive ability. Mice can hear a sound between 1 to about 100kHz.
This means that they can hear ultrasounds of high frequencies from different ranges and distances.
You now know that mice hear very well, would you like to know how far their hearing can go?
Read below to find out.
Table of Contents
How Far Can Mice Hear
Mice hear larger frequencies ranging from 1 – 100kHz.
They are among the classes of small animals with wide hearing ability.
This means that mice can hear ultrasonic sounds which are above normal or audibility levels.
Mice Hearing vs Human hearing
Mice have great hearing ability compared to humans. They hear sounds ranging from frequencies of 1 – 100kHz and above.
This range can not be compared to human low-frequency detection within the range of 20Hz and 20kHz.
On the other hand, Young people or children can hear frequencies a bit higher than 20kHz.
However, they lose it as they start growing. This simply means that the hearing ability of old humans is limited.
For example,
The average hearing limit in adult humans is between 15 and 17kHz, while that of mice is up to 100kHz.
It means that most humans cannot usually hear the ultrasonic sounds that mice hear.
Sounds that are generated from devices like:
- rodent deterrents,
- motion sensors,
- broadcasting devices, etc.
Although humans buy and use these sound devices, it is not a confirmation that they hear them.
They are all ultrasonic sounds and can be harmful to the human ear. Hence the reason why headsets are often recommended.
Mice Hearing Vs Other Pets
Small animals like mice hear better than other pets. They pick larger frequencies easier than other pets which are bigger than they can do.
And this is the reason why mice can easily detect their predator’s presence and escape.
Mouse’s Hearing Ability Versus Other Pets
The mice’s super hearing ability has made them significant over regular pets like cats, dogs, fish, guinea pigs, etc.
Let’s continue reading to know the difference.
| Animal | Hearing Range |
| Mice | 1 -100kHz |
| Dogs | 47,000 – 65,000Hz |
| Cats | 48 – 85kHz |
| Fish | 52 – 500Hz |
| Guinea Pigs | 50, 000 – 55,000H |
Dogs
Mice hear better than dogs even though dogs’ hearing ability is twice that of humans.
They hear at a frequency ranging from 47,000 – 65,000Hz while humans hear at 20 Hz and 20kHz.
This means that dogs will hear sounds from distances quite impossible for humans to hear.
Cats
Mice hear larger frequencies more than cats (even though cats can hear better than dogs).
Cats pick a frequency range of 48 – 85kHz, which is an amazing range of sound.
But they are not yet compared to the mice’s 1- 100kHz hearing range.
Fish
Just like humans, fishes hear at a lower frequency range.
Although this is dependent on two factors:
- Fish species
- Position of the swim bladder to the inner ear
Fish Species
Mice hear better than fish. Fishes generally hear at a frequency range of 52hz – 500hz.
But specific species, such as “Goldfish ” hear at a higher frequency of about 18,000hz – 39,000hz.
This is because their lateral lines produce vibrations that enable sound waves.
The Position Of The Swim Bladder To The Inner Ear
The swim bladder is commonly used for buoyancy in fish and it is located in their body cavity.
But, fish species that have a swim bladder close to their inner ear hear better.
Guinea Pigs
Mice’s hearing frequency is higher than guinea pigs. However, guinea pigs hear better than humans.
Guinea pigs pick sounds that range between 50 – 55000hz (Also known as ultrasonic sound). However, mice have better sensitivity than them.
Can Mice Hear Humans Talk?
No, Mice cannot hear humans talk.
This is because mice only hear high-frequency sounds and humans talk within the lower frequency range of 20Hz – 20kHz.
It simply means that when humans talk, even though a mouse stays close to them, mice find it difficult to hear what they are saying.
What Frequency Do Mice Hate?
Mice hate frequencies ranging from 22 – 35kHz. Such frequency is loud, irritating, unbearable, and uncomfortable for mice.
This high-pitched sound always scares them and affects their hearing capacity.
Not just that, it puts them in distress of danger, hence they would always run away.
If you have a mice infestation in your home this is a perfect trick to scare them away.
But be aware that over time, mice will get used to this ultrasonic sound, and will no longer run away when they hear it.
Are Mice Sensitive To Noise?
Yes, mice are sensitive to noise.
Even though they communicate with each other with high-frequency sounds, they don’t like to hear the noise.
This is due to their excellent hearing sensitivity which can pick up sounds of different frequencies.
Noise can be upsetting and distressing to mice that’s why they prefer quiet areas.
Recap
To summarize, mice can hear very well. They hear sound frequencies ranging from 1 – 100kHz.
This is very high for humans that pick low-frequency sounds of 20Hz and 20kHz.
And in comparison with other animals, mice have better hearing than dogs, cats, fish, and guinea pigs.
This is because of their high-frequency sound reception. This high frequency does not enable them to hear humans when they talk (Low-frequency sound).
Additionally, these little creatures are sensitive to loud noise.
And it keeps them uncomfortable under frequencies of 22 -35khz.
Now that you know better about the mice’s hearing ability, would you like to know if they can cope together with rats?
Check out our article Can Mice and Rats Live Together? To learn more.
