What is the speech frequency range most commonly used for communication?

The most commonly used speech frequency range for communication typically falls between 250 and 4,000 Hz. This range encompasses the fundamental frequencies of human speech and includes most consonants, which are essential for understanding spoken language. Within this frequency band, the clarity and intelligibility of speech sounds are at their peak, allowing for effective communication.

Research indicates that within this range, the majority of important speech sounds occur, particularly those that are crucial for distinguishing between different phonetic sounds. Frequencies lower than 250 Hz are primarily associated with the low pitches of human voice and may contribute to the volume and resonance but not necessarily clarity. Meanwhile, frequencies above 4,000 Hz can include sibilance and other high-frequency components that exist outside the critical range needed for basic speech intelligibility. Thus, the selection of 250 to 4,000 Hz for the speech frequency range aligns closely with the frequencies that facilitate effective verbal communication in daily interactions.