Hörselgränsen

Hörselgränsen refers to the threshold of hearing, the minimum intensity level at which a sound can be detected by the human ear. This threshold is not a fixed value but varies depending on the frequency of the sound. For humans, the range of audible frequencies typically spans from about 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Within this range, the hearing threshold is lowest for frequencies around 1,000 Hz to 4,000 Hz, which are crucial for understanding speech.

The intensity of sound is measured in decibels (dB). The standard reference threshold of hearing is defined as 0 dB, which corresponds to a sound pressure of 20 micropascals. Sounds with intensity levels below this threshold are generally inaudible to humans. As intensity increases, sounds become louder and more easily detectable. Prolonged exposure to sound levels significantly above the hearing threshold, particularly above 85 dB, can lead to noise-induced hearing loss.

Factors such as age, genetics, exposure to loud noises, and certain medical conditions can affect an individual's hearing threshold and their ability to perceive sounds across the audible spectrum. Audiologists use specialized tests to measure an individual's hearing threshold at various frequencies, a process known as an audiogram, to assess their hearing ability and identify any potential hearing impairments. The concept of the hearing threshold is fundamental in audiology, acoustics, and noise control.