It is difficult to definitively answer how other species in the universe might experience sound, as we currently have limited knowledge about extraterrestrial life and its sensory capabilities. Our understanding of sound perception is based on the sensory systems of Earth-based organisms, primarily humans and certain animals.
Sound is a mechanical wave that propagates through a medium, such as air or water, and is detected by the vibration of sensory structures, like eardrums, within living organisms. The perception of sound depends on the characteristics of the medium, the anatomy and physiology of the organism, and the processing of sound signals in the brain.
Considering the vast diversity of potential alien species, it is plausible that they may have different sensory systems or organs to perceive sound. For example:
Different Sensory Organs: Alien species might possess organs or sensory structures that are entirely different from our ears. They may have evolved to detect sound through different mechanisms, such as vibrations in their exoskeleton, specialized organs, or even through bioelectrical signals.
Different Frequency Ranges: Sound perception is limited by the range of frequencies that an organism can detect. While humans can generally perceive sounds ranging from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, other species on Earth, such as bats or dolphins, can perceive sounds at higher frequencies. It is possible that extraterrestrial organisms may have different hearing ranges, extending into lower or higher frequencies than those detectable by humans.
Sensitivity and Perception: Even if an alien species has similar auditory organs, their sensitivity to sound and the way they perceive it might differ. They may have evolved to prioritize or interpret different aspects of sound, such as intensity, pitch, or temporal patterns, in unique ways.
Non-Auditory Communication: It's important to note that sound is not the only means of communication. Alien species might have evolved alternative methods, such as visual cues, electromagnetic signals, chemical signals, or even telepathy, which could surpass or supplement sound-based communication.
Ultimately, without concrete knowledge of extraterrestrial life forms, we can only speculate about how they might experience sound. Understanding the diversity of life on Earth and the variety of sensory systems it encompasses can provide us with a glimpse of the possibilities, but the actual sensory experiences of alien species remain purely speculative until we discover and study them directly.