Question

The threshold of pain to human ears is
A. 50 -60 dB
B. 30-40 dB
C. 120-140 dB
D. 160-180 dB

Answer 1

Hint: Loudness of any sound can be measured by the pressure level it creates. When the level crosses 110 decibels it becomes uncomfortable for our ear.

Complete answer: The peripheral hearing system contains three parts which are the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear:
The outer ear contains the pinna (also called the auricle), ear canal, and eardrum.
We hear with ears –but it is a gross idea.
If considered more scientifically, we actually hear with the help of the cochlea- the hearing organ.
1. It is located in the inner ear. We are able to hear sound above 0 decibels (dB).
2. As the decibel number increases, sound also becomes louder.
3. Our ears prefer 10-80 dB sound with which we also feel comfortable.
4. Such sounds include quiet natural areas, normal conversation, a few traffic sounds, light music, etc.
5. Above 110 decibels, hearing becomes uncomfortable indicating the threshold of discomfort.
6. Above 130 dB ear pain may be caused indicating the threshold of pain.

So, the correct option is C. 120-140 dB

Note: For us to hear a sound it has to cross a certain sound pressure level – this is called hearing threshold or auditory threshold.
Though 90 dB is less than the threshold of discomfort if we hear sound above 90dB continuously, ears may be affected.