Who Made the Decibel Scale?

The decibel scale is a widely used method for measuring the intensity level of sounds that humans can hear. It was developed by Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, and has been linked to audiology from its inception. The unit of measurement, dB (decibel), takes its name from Bell himself.

To understand how the decibel scale works, it's essential to grasp the concept of sound pressure level (SPL). SPL is a measure of the pressure exerted by sound waves on our eardrums. It's measured in units of pressure relative to 20 micropascals, which was chosen as a reference point because it represents the quietest sound pressure level that normal-hearing individuals can detect.

On the decibel scale, zero decibels (0 dB) corresponds to the threshold of human hearing. Sounds with an SPL of around 60 dB are equivalent to a breath or a whisper. In contrast, sounds above 100 dB, such as those found in a rock concert, are extremely loud and can cause damage to our hearing.

The decibel scale has various suffixes that provide additional information about the sound being measured. For example, dB SPL (sound pressure level) is an absolute and frequency-independent unit used to measure the intensity of sounds in decibels. On the other hand, dB HL (hearing level) refers specifically to the hearing ability of a person and provides information on the severity of their hearing loss.

In audiology, the decibel scale is commonly used to describe the loudness of sounds in clinical settings. It's essential for audiologists to understand how to interpret and apply this scale correctly when testing an individual's hearing abilities or calibrating signals in hearing testing equipment.

Overall, the decibel scale provides a standardized way to measure the intensity level of sounds that humans can hear. By understanding how it works, we can better appreciate the importance of protecting our hearing and preventing noise-induced hearing loss.

Who made the Decibel Scale