Final answer:
Sounds in the 12Hz frequency range generally would not elicit a hearing response, but sounds within the 2000 to 5000 Hz range are perceived as louder due to the ear's sensitivity. Hearing thresholds and loudness are measured in decibels (dB), and a minimum frequency variation of 1 Hz is needed for pitch distinction. For a child with a 60 dB hearing loss at 5000 Hz, a 5000-Hz tone must be much more intense than a 400-Hz tone to be audible.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question refers to the auditory development and responses to sounds at different frequencies. In humans, sounds in the frequency range of 12Hz are typically below the threshold of hearing, known as infrasound, and would not generally induce any hearing response in individuals with normal auditory perception. However, for specific responses elicited by certain frequencies and intensities, sounds in the frequency range of 2000 to 5000 Hz are perceived as louder due to the ear's maximal sensitivity in that range, which might be associated with calmness and relaxation or other emotional responses depending on the context and individual differences.
Hearing thresholds and the perception of intensity, labeled as loudness, are generally measured in decibels (dB). The ability to distinguish between sounds, or pitch perception, requires a minimum frequency variation, which is approximately 0.3% of the original sound's frequency. However, this can be as little as 1 Hz for frequencies in the audible range. Notably, human sensitivity to sounds varies across different frequencies, with greater sensitivity towards the middle frequencies of the audible range.
Concerning the example given, where a child has a hearing loss of 60 dB near 5000 Hz, we need to understand that the intensity levels required for sounds to be barely audible to them would be significantly different at 5000 Hz compared to frequencies where their hearing is normal. This indicates that for the mentioned child, a 5000-Hz tone would have to be substantially more intense than a 400-Hz tone to become barely audible due to their specific hearing loss at that higher frequency.