Definition - What does Frequency Measurement mean?
Frequency measurement, in the context of hearing conservation, relates to the rate at which the human ear detects sound, based on hearing sensitivity levels of variable pitches ranging from low to high. Frequency refers to the number of vibration waves, also called hertz, that occur in cycles per second, measured in increasing octaves dependent on the sound. The hearing sensitivity threshold is directly proportionate to the decibel levels, or loudness factor to account for diagnostic hearing loss in each ear.
SureHire explains Frequency Measurement
Frequency measurement involves the use of an audiogram, which is a graph used to chart hearing loss using numerical values that represent two elements of sound: pitch and decibels. Testing metrics analyze and compare baseline normal hearing sensitivity levels to any frequency (pitch) range deviation patterns. Each ear responds to different sounds at increasing pitch intervals, or octaves, while the corresponding decibel level (loudness) is amplified to compensate for any hearing loss. The graph indicates the normal hearing range falls between 0 to 20 decibels across the entire frequency hertz spectrum.
Any findings of hearing loss will show progressive dips down the chart demonstrating impaired hearing ranging from mild, moderate, severe, to profound hearing loss. Frequency measurement examines sound pressure levels against each ear, usually in ten decibel increments, coinciding to pitch intensity. The vibration waves penetrate ear membrane tissue to indicate the relative degree of hearing loss.
