Underwater detection of tonal signals between 0.125 and $100kHz$ by harbor seals (Phoca vitulina)

The underwater hearing sensitivities of two $1-year$-old female harbor seals were quantified in a pool built for acoustic research, using a behavioral psychoacoustic technique. The animals were trained to respond when they detected an acoustic signal and not to respond when they did not (go/no-go response). Pure tones $(0.125–0.25kHz)$ and narrowband frequency modulated (tonal) signals (center frequencies $0.5–100kHz$⁠) of $900ms$ duration were tested. Thresholds at each frequency were measured using the up-down staircase method and defined as the stimulus level resulting in a 50% detection rate. The audiograms of the two seals did not differ statistically: both plots showed the typical mammalian U-shape, but with a wide and flat bottom. Maximum sensitivity (⁠$54dB$ re $1μPa$⁠, rms) occurred at $1kHz$⁠. The frequency range of best hearing (within $10dB$ of maximum sensitivity) was from $0.5to40kHz$ (⁠$613$ octaves). Higher hearing thresholds (indicating poorer sensitivity) were observed below 1 and above $40kHz$⁠. Thresholds below $4kHz$ were lower than those previously described for harbor seals, which demonstrates the importance of using quiet facilities, built specifically for acoustic research, for hearing studies in marine mammals. The results suggest that under unmasked conditions many anthropogenic noise sources and sounds from conspecifics are audible to harbor seals at greater ranges than formerly believed.