A method for sound generation in liquids by applying an ac electric field to ionic solutions is presented. A phenomenological model is developed in qualitative agreement with the experimental results. The theoretical approach applies macroscopic continuum equations to the dynamics of an ion, but some microscopic features of the medium in the vicinity of a solvated ion are also taken into account. The results are useful for evaluating the electroacoustic effect in electrolytes and for obtaining information on electrolyte structure.