Why can’t people hear echolocating bats?

January 10, 2018

When we “hear” something our ears are detecting sound waves and sending a signal to our brain.  Sound waves come in different frequencies, some are high and some low. The human ear can detect frequencies up to 16 KHz, while bat clicks are in the range of 40 KHz. How can bat ears detect such high frequencies? Because of a special anatomical part in their ears called a tragus.  Check out this fun video from It’s OK To Be Smart to learn more cool facts about bats.