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When is a decibel not a decibel?: The application of decibel scales and calibration in clinical audiology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

Graham Beynon
Graham Beynon*
Affiliation:
(Cambridge)
*
Mr Graham Beyon, Department of Audiology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hill's Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ
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Abstract

Decibel scales are a very important but potentially confusing subject for the clinician. Misunderstanding can, at worst, lead to inappropriate management which is detrimental to the patient. This paper sets out, from the viewpoint of an acoustician, the calibration and meaning of the various decibel scales in common use, shows how they are applied to the clinical setting, and explains their limitations.

Keywords

Auditory perceptionCalibrationHearing
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 107 , Issue 11 , November 1993 , pp. 985 - 989
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1993

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