How Loud is 20 dB Above Audibility?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the perception of sound levels, specifically focusing on a sound level of 20 dB above the threshold of audibility. Participants are exploring how this level of sound is classified in terms of loudness perception.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning how to classify a sound level of 20 dB above audibility, considering the logarithmic nature of sound perception. There is uncertainty about whether this level should be considered slightly loud, normal, or something else.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the mathematical relationship between decibels and perceived loudness, while others express frustration with the subjective nature of the classification. There is no clear consensus on how to categorize the sound level.

Contextual Notes

One participant mentions a potential misunderstanding regarding the threshold of hearing, suggesting a need for clarification on the lowest sound level humans can perceive.

jakeowens
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On a day when you are listening to music at a sound-level of 20 dB above the threshold of audibility, an average person would say that it was
none of these
very loud
slightly loud
of normal listening level
very soft

Well, for every 10dB increase we percieve sound as twice as loud right? So would that make this slightly loud? its only 4 times as loud as barely audible, or would that be considered normal listening level? I'm just not sure what to classify the sound as.
 
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You have the math right, but the qualitative response is just a bit arbitrary if you ask me >.<
 
yeah that's what i don't like about this question.
 
whats the lowest humans can hear, about 65db?
 

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