Which level traditionally represents the softest sound a young adult can hear at any frequency?

The softest sound a young adult can typically hear at any frequency is represented by 0 dB HL (Hearing Level). This value is not a measurement of the sound itself but instead serves as a reference point on the hearing threshold level scale, which varies according to the individual’s auditory sensitivity. The 0 dB HL level corresponds to the average threshold of hearing for young adults with normal hearing across most frequencies, meaning that a sound level classified as 0 dB HL is perceived as just audible by this population.

In audiometric testing, this reference level allows audiologists to determine deviations in hearing sensitivity. When considering softer sounds, levels below 0 dB HL, such as -10 dB HL, indicate an excellent hearing ability, while higher levels represent louder sounds that are just audible to individuals with normal hearing. Thus, identifying 0 dB HL as the threshold for the softest sounds is crucial for understanding hearing assessments and the interpretation of audiometric data.