kuulokynnys

Kuulokynnys refers to the minimum sound intensity that a person can hear. It is typically measured in decibels (dB) and is often represented as a graph showing the softest sound a person can detect at different frequencies. This threshold can vary significantly between individuals and can be affected by age, exposure to noise, and certain medical conditions.

Measuring the kuulokynnys is a fundamental part of audiological assessments. This is done using an audiometer, which presents pure tones at various frequencies and intensities to the listener. The listener indicates when they can hear the sound, and the audiologist determines the softest level at which this occurs for each frequency. This information is plotted on an audiogram, a visual representation of a person's hearing ability.

A normal kuulokynnys is generally considered to be between 0 and 25 dB across most frequencies for young, healthy adults. Sounds below this threshold are typically inaudible. Deviations from this normal range can indicate hearing loss. The severity of hearing loss is often categorized based on how much the kuulokynnys is elevated above the normal range. Factors like genetics, ototoxic medications, and chronic ear infections can also influence an individual's kuulokynnys. Understanding the kuulokynnys is crucial for diagnosing hearing impairments and developing appropriate interventions.