What is the definition of the threshold of hearing?

The threshold of hearing is defined as the lowest sound intensity that can be detected by a person at least 50% of the time. This measurement is critical in audiology, as it provides a baseline for assessing an individual's hearing ability. By determining this threshold, audiologists can identify hearing impairments and tailor interventions, such as hearing aids, to meet the needs of individuals.

Understanding this definition is fundamental to interpreting audiograms and making informed decisions regarding hearing health. It delineates the faintest sounds that a person can perceive, which is essential for evaluating both normal hearing and hearing loss. In contrast, the other choices focus on different aspects of hearing but do not encapsulate the definition of the threshold of hearing. They may refer to tolerable sound levels, clarity of speech, or the range of frequencies but do not capture the specific measurement related to the detection of sound intensity.