Step-by-step explanation:
Emily's ability to hear a low humming noise that her friend Ryan did not hear could be attributed to several factors related to auditory perception. Here are a few possible explanations:
1. **Auditory Sensitivity:** Emily may have greater auditory sensitivity than Ryan. Some individuals have more acute hearing, allowing them to detect faint sounds that others may not perceive.
2. **Frequency Range:** The ability to hear certain sounds depends on their frequency. Emily might have a wider or more sensitive frequency range, allowing her to pick up on sounds in a specific frequency range that Ryan cannot hear.
3. **Selective Attention:** Emily might have been paying closer attention to her environment or the specific area where the noise originated. Selective attention can influence our ability to notice subtle auditory cues.
4. **Hearing Loss:** Conversely, Ryan might have a mild hearing loss or impairment that prevents him from hearing certain frequencies or sounds. Hearing loss can vary among individuals and can affect different parts of the auditory spectrum.
5. **Psychological Factors:** Emily's state of mind or emotional state at the time may have made her more attuned to her surroundings, making her more likely to notice the noise.
6. **Perceptual Variation:** It's important to remember that auditory perception can vary among individuals due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and cognitive factors. What one person hears, another may not.