Solving Sound Intensities - Hearing Threshold in W/m^2

In summary, the question asks for the intensity corresponding to the threshold of hearing for a group of people who were exposed to 114 dB music for 60 minutes and showed a 17 dB reduction in hearing sensitivity at 4000 Hz. The threshold of hearing is typically at 0 dB, but with a 17 dB reduction, the intensity can be calculated using the formula \beta = 10 log({I \over 10^{-12} W/m^2}). This value indicates the minimum intensity needed for the group to perceive a sound.
  • #1
Huskies213
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Does anyone know how to solve this ?

A group of people were exposed to 114 dB music for 60 minutes. Eleven of the 20 subjects showed a 17 dB reduction in hearing sensitivity at 4000 Hz. What is the intensity corresponding to the threshold of hearing for these people ? ( in W/m^2)

thanks
 
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  • #2
Huskies213 said:
Does anyone know how to solve this ?

A group of people were exposed to 114 dB music for 60 minutes. Eleven of the 20 subjects showed a 17 dB reduction in hearing sensitivity at 4000 Hz. What is the intensity corresponding to the threshold of hearing for these people ? ( in W/m^2)
The following information appears to be irrelevant:
"A group of people were exposed to 114 dB music for 60 minutes."
"Eleven of the 20 subjects"

We also do not know what their original hearing sensitivity at 4000 Hz was. People's hearing sensitivity varies. Are we supposed to guess?

Please check the question and provide all the information.

AM
 
  • #3
Re

Threshold = 10^-12 ...thanks for the help!
 
  • #4
Huskies213 said:
Does anyone know how to solve this ?

A group of people were exposed to 114 dB music for 60 minutes. Eleven of the 20 subjects showed a 17 dB reduction in hearing sensitivity at 4000 Hz. What is the intensity corresponding to the threshold of hearing for these people ? ( in W/m^2)

thanks

Normally, the threshold of hearing is at 0dB (so I= 10^-12 W/m^2). I assume that " a 17 dB reduction of hearing sensitivity" means that now their threshold of hearing is at 17dB. It is straightforward to calculate the intensity this corresponds to ([itex] \beta = 10 log({I \over 10^{-12} W/m^2}) [/itex]...the sound level is 17dB so you can solve for I). So if a sound wave has an intensity below the value calculated, they won't perceive the sound.

Patrick
 

1. How do sound intensities affect hearing?

Sound intensities refer to the amount of energy that a sound wave carries per unit area. The human ear is sensitive to a wide range of sound intensities, and exposure to high sound intensities can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear, leading to hearing loss.

2. What is the hearing threshold for humans?

The hearing threshold is the minimum sound intensity that a person with normal hearing can detect. For humans, this threshold is typically around 0.00002 W/m^2, which is equivalent to the sound of a pin dropping from a height of one meter.

3. How is the hearing threshold measured?

The hearing threshold is measured using an audiometer, which produces sounds at different frequencies and intensities. The person being tested is asked to indicate when they can hear the sound, and the intensity at which they can just barely hear it is recorded as their hearing threshold.

4. What factors can affect sound intensities and therefore hearing thresholds?

There are several factors that can affect sound intensities and hearing thresholds, including the distance from the sound source, the frequency of the sound, and the presence of any obstacles or barriers that can reflect or absorb sound waves. Additionally, individuals may have different hearing thresholds due to genetics, age, or exposure to loud noises.

5. Can sound intensities be harmful to hearing?

Yes, exposure to high sound intensities can be harmful to hearing. Prolonged or repeated exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB), which is roughly equivalent to the sound of heavy traffic, can lead to hearing damage. It is important to protect your ears by using earplugs or earmuffs in loud environments and limiting exposure to high sound intensities.

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