Decibel
Decibel
Decibel (Pronunciation: /ˈdɛsɪbɛl/ Etymology: From Latin decimus meaning tenth and Bel, a unit of power ratio named after Alexander Graham Bell) is a unit of measurement used to express the ratio of one value of a power or field quantity to another, on a logarithmic scale, the logarithmic quantity being called the power level or field level, respectively.
Definition
A decibel is one tenth of a bel, a seldom-used unit. It is used in acoustics, electronics, and control theory. In electronics, the gains of amplifiers, attenuation of signals, and signal-to-noise ratios are often expressed in decibels.
Usage in Medicine
In medicine, the decibel is used in audiology and otolaryngology, particularly in the measurement of hearing sensitivity, hearing loss, and tinnitus loudness. It is also used in the field of radiology to quantify radiation exposure.
Related Terms
- Bel: The base unit from which the decibel is derived.
- Sound Pressure Level: A logarithmic measure of the effective pressure of a sound relative to a reference value.
- Hearing Loss: A partial or total inability to hear, often expressed in decibels.
- Tinnitus: The perception of noise or ringing in the ears, often measured in decibels.
- Radiology: The science of high energy radiation and of the sources and chemical reactions of such radiation.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Decibel
- Wikipedia's article - Decibel
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