Hi there! Dr. Reef speaking, marine biologist and ocean enthusiast. I've dedicated my life to studying the wonders of the underwater world, with a particular fascination for the apex predators that rule the deep – sharks! I'm happy to answer your question about sharks and their auditory senses.

Let's dive in, shall we?

## Can sharks hear above water?

This is a question that often sparks debate and a bit of confusion. The short answer is: No, sharks cannot hear sounds in the way we typically think of "hearing" above water. However, the reality of underwater sound transmission and shark sensory biology is a bit more nuanced.

Here's why:

* **Sound travels differently in water and air:** Sound is essentially vibration traveling through a medium. Water is far denser than air, meaning sound waves move much faster and further underwater. Our ears have evolved to pick up sound vibrations in the air. Sharks, on the other hand, have evolved highly sensitive systems to detect these vibrations in water.

* Sharks primarily detect vibrations: While we often use "hear" as a catch-all term, sharks rely heavily on what's known as their lateral line system for detecting sound. This system, comprised of fluid-filled canals running along the sides of their bodies, picks up pressure changes and vibrations in the water. These vibrations can come from a variety of sources, including struggling prey, other sharks, and even boats.

* Inner ears play a role, but not in air: Sharks do possess inner ears located within their skulls, similar to ours. These inner ears are filled with fluid and contain hair-like sensors that detect sound vibrations. However, these inner ears are primarily tuned to pick up lower frequency sounds that travel well underwater. They are not designed to pick up sound vibrations in the air.

Think of it this way: Imagine wearing noise-canceling headphones while swimming underwater. You might still feel the vibrations of a nearby motorboat, but you wouldn't be able to "hear" it in the traditional sense. Sharks experience something similar. While they are incredibly sensitive to vibrations and pressure changes in the water, their auditory system isn't designed to process sounds originating in the air.

**But what about sharks breaching the surface?**

You might have seen spectacular footage of sharks launching themselves out of the water to catch prey. It's true that when a shark breaches, a portion of its body is exposed to the air. However, this is a fleeting moment. The shark's focus is on hunting, and its primary sensory input remains the vibrations and pressure changes in the water as it tracks its prey.

In conclusion:

While sharks can't hear in the same way we do above water, it's crucial to remember that they are incredibly well-equipped to detect a wide range of sounds and vibrations in their underwater world. Their lateral line system and inner ears make them highly sensitive predators, allowing them to navigate, hunt, and communicate with remarkable effectiveness. So, while we may need to adjust our understanding of "hearing" when it comes to sharks, one thing's for sure – they are far from deaf in their watery realm.
read more >>

Sharks hear sounds with frequencies ranging from 10 hertz to 800 hertz, and are especially responsive to sounds lower than 375 hertz, easily detecting prey at distances of more than 800 feet (two football fields). In comparision, humans hear sounds ranging from 25 hertz to 16,000 hertz. Yes, they can!read more >>