Decibel

Definition

A decibel (dB) is a logarithmic unit used to measure the intensity or level of a sound. It is the standard unit for quantifying sound and is used to describe the relative loudness of sounds.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The decibel scale is logarithmic, meaning a 10 dB increase represents a tenfold increase in sound intensity.
2. The human hearing range is typically between 0 dB (the threshold of hearing) and 140 dB (the threshold of pain).
3. Exposure to sounds above 85 dB for an extended period can lead to hearing damage and loss.
4. The decibel scale is used to measure various types of signals, including sound, electricity, and radiation.
5. Noise-induced hearing loss is a common occupational hazard for workers exposed to high-decibel environments.

Review Questions

• Explain the relationship between sound intensity and decibels.
  • The decibel scale is a logarithmic scale used to measure sound intensity. A 10 dB increase represents a tenfold increase in sound intensity, meaning that a sound of 70 dB is 10 times more intense than a sound of 60 dB, and a sound of 80 dB is 100 times more intense than a sound of 60 dB. This logarithmic relationship allows the decibel scale to effectively capture the wide range of sound intensities that the human ear can perceive.
• Describe the significance of the human hearing range in the context of decibels.
  • The human hearing range, typically between 0 dB (the threshold of hearing) and 140 dB (the threshold of pain), is an important consideration when discussing decibels. The 0 dB reference point represents the faintest sound that a young, healthy person can hear, while sounds above 140 dB can cause immediate and permanent damage to the ears. Understanding the limits of human hearing and the potential for hearing loss due to exposure to high-decibel environments is crucial for maintaining auditory health and safety.
• Analyze the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to high-decibel sounds.
  • Exposure to sounds above 85 dB for an extended period can lead to hearing damage and loss, a condition known as noise-induced hearing loss. This type of hearing impairment is a common occupational hazard for workers in high-decibel environments, such as construction sites, manufacturing plants, and even some entertainment venues. Prolonged exposure to these high-decibel sounds can cause permanent damage to the delicate structures within the inner ear, resulting in a gradual decline in hearing ability. Implementing effective noise control measures and providing appropriate personal protective equipment are essential for mitigating the risks of noise-induced hearing loss in these settings.

Related terms

Sound Intensity: The amount of sound energy passing through a unit area per unit time, measured in watts per square meter (W/m²).

Sound Pressure Level (SPL): A measure of the pressure of a sound relative to a reference pressure, expressed in decibels.

Hearing Threshold: The minimum sound intensity that a person can hear, typically around 0 dB for a young, healthy person.