Kuulmiskünnis

Kuulmiskünnis refers to the minimum intensity of a sound that a person can detect. It is the faintest sound that can be heard under specific conditions, typically measured in decibels (dB). This threshold varies significantly between individuals and can be influenced by factors such as age, exposure to loud noises, and underlying medical conditions.

The standard reference for the human hearing threshold is often set at 0 dB, which corresponds to the sound pressure level of 20 micropascals. However, this is an average, and the actual kuulmiskünnis for a young, healthy individual might be slightly lower, meaning they can detect sounds quieter than 0 dB. As people age or experience hearing damage, their kuulmiskünnis generally increases, meaning they require louder sounds to hear them.

Audiologists use specialized equipment, such as audiometers, to measure an individual's kuulmiskünnis across different frequencies. This process helps in diagnosing hearing loss and determining its severity and type. Sounds below the kuulmiskünnis are inaudible to a person, while sounds at or above it can be perceived. Understanding the kuulmiskünnis is fundamental in the field of audiology and acoustic research.