What is the threshold of hearing in decibels?

The threshold of hearing, which is the minimum sound level that can be heard by the average human ear, is defined as 0 decibels (dB). This reference point is important in acoustics and sound measurement, as it represents the baseline for the sound pressure level that humans can detect. Sound levels are measured on a logarithmic scale, with each increase of 10 dB representing a tenfold increase in sound intensity.

When the sound pressure level is at 0 dB, it corresponds to a sound intensity of 20 micropascals in air, which is typically considered the lowest threshold at which a person with normal hearing can perceive sound. Understanding this baseline is crucial for areas such as audio engineering, hearing studies, and environmental noise assessments, as it helps in comparing various sound levels relative to human perception.