Hearing Screening Online Training Program

Introduction

The sounds that we hear can be described by the two characteristics of pitch (frequency) and loudness (intensity). Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz) and intensity is measured in decibels (dB).

Normal Hearing

A person with normal hearing should be able to hear intensities as low as 0 to 20 dB in the 250 through 8000 Hz range. The frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz are critical for hearing and understanding speech sounds.

Examples of different sound intensities as expressed in dB:

180 dB: Rocket at take-off
140 dB: Jet engine at take-off
120 dB: Rock band**
110 dB: Loud thunder
90 dB: City traffic or a person’s shout
80 dB: Loud radio
60 dB: Ordinary conversation
30 dB: Very soft whisper
0 dB: Softest sound a person can hear

**While decibels greater than or equal to 120 to 130 dB cause pain or discomfort in most people’s ears, some people will experience pain at sounds of 100-110 dB.


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