What is the term for the number of dB above the threshold?

The correct term for the number of dB above the threshold of hearing is Hearing Level (HL). This term is specifically used to indicate the intensity of a sound in decibels relative to the standardized threshold of hearing for a group of individuals, typically a young, healthy population.

Hearing Level is important in audiometry and audiological assessments, as it provides a reference point to determine if an individual's hearing is within the normal range or if there is a hearing loss. When we say a sound is at a certain level in dB HL, we are effectively communicating how much louder it is compared to the average threshold of hearing, helping audiologists to evaluate and diagnose hearing impairments accurately.

Intensity Level (IL) is a concept related to the true power of a sound, often in relation to the physical measurement of sound pressure, but does not specifically reference the auditory threshold. While Sound Pressure Level (SPL) measures the pressure of a sound wave relative to a reference pressure, it is not exclusively tied to human auditory perception. Experience Level (EL) is not a standard term used in hearing evaluations, making it less applicable in this context.

Understanding these distinctions reinforces the importance of using the correct terminology in the field of audiology, particularly