Hörschwellen

Hörschwellen, often translated as hearing threshold, refers to the minimum sound intensity or pressure level that a listener can detect. This threshold is not a single fixed value but varies depending on the frequency of the sound. Generally, humans are most sensitive to sounds in the mid-frequency range, typically between 1000 Hz and 4000 Hz, where the hearing threshold is lowest. As frequencies move further away from this range, either lower or higher, the sound intensity required to be heard increases.

The measurement of hearing thresholds is a fundamental aspect of audiology and is typically performed through pure-tone audiometry. This test uses a calibrated device called an audiometer to present pure tones at various frequencies and intensities. The listener indicates when they can hear the sound, and the audiometer determines the softest sound level they can detect at each frequency. The results are plotted on an audiogram, which provides a visual representation of an individual's hearing ability across the audible spectrum.

Hearing thresholds are commonly expressed in decibels (dB) relative to a reference standard, often denoted as dB HL (Hearing Level). A hearing threshold of 0 dB HL represents the average hearing ability of young, healthy individuals. Higher dB HL values indicate a reduced ability to hear sounds at that particular frequency, signifying some degree of hearing loss. Factors such as age, exposure to loud noise, and certain medical conditions can influence an individual's hearing thresholds. Understanding hearing thresholds is crucial for diagnosing hearing impairments and developing appropriate interventions.