kuulmiskünnist

Kuulmiskünnis refers to the minimum intensity of a sound that a listener can perceive. It is the faintest sound that can be heard by an average person under specific conditions, typically measured in decibels (dB). This threshold is not absolute and can vary depending on several factors, including the frequency of the sound, the duration of the sound, and the individual listener's hearing ability.

The frequency of a sound significantly influences the kuulmiskünnis. Humans can generally hear sounds within a range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, but our hearing sensitivity is not uniform across this range. The lowest kuulmiskünnis is typically found in the mid-range frequencies, around 2,000 to 5,000 Hz, which are crucial for understanding speech. Higher and lower frequencies require greater intensity to be perceived.

Age and prolonged exposure to loud noise are common factors that can elevate the kuulmiskünnis, meaning a person needs a louder sound to hear it. This is often associated with hearing loss. The measurement of kuulmiskünnis is a fundamental aspect of audiology and is used to assess hearing health and diagnose hearing impairments. It is usually determined through audiometric tests where a person indicates when they can just barely hear a series of tones presented at different frequencies and intensities.