Yes, sound waves that are outside the range of human hearing can still interact with sound waves that we can hear.
The audible range of sound for most humans typically falls between 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz). Sounds with frequencies below 20 Hz are called infrasound, and sounds with frequencies above 20,000 Hz are called ultrasound. While humans cannot hear infrasound and ultrasound directly, these frequencies can still have effects on audible sound and the environment.
Interaction with Audible Sound: Infrasound and ultrasound can interact with audible sound waves if they are present in the same medium, such as air or water. These inaudible frequencies can modulate or affect the audible sound waves, potentially altering their characteristics or patterns of interference. This phenomenon is used in various acoustic technologies, including ultrasonic cleaning and ultrasonic testing.
Effects on the Environment: Infrasound and ultrasound can also affect the environment and human perception indirectly. For example, some animals can detect infrasound and use it for communication or navigation. Infrasound from natural events like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can be felt or heard as rumbling sensations.
Health and Safety Considerations: Exposure to very high-intensity ultrasound (beyond the range of human hearing) can have potential health effects, such as causing physical discomfort or even damaging tissues. Proper safety measures are necessary when working with high-intensity ultrasound.
While these inaudible frequencies can interact with audible sound waves and influence our environment, they typically do not directly impact our perception of sound as they are outside the range of human hearing. However, their presence and interaction can still be significant in various technological, environmental, and safety contexts.