What does the equal loudness contour demonstrate about human ear sensitivity?

What does the equal loudness contour demonstrate about human ear sensitivity?

• A. Increases at low and high frequencies
• B. Remains constant across all frequencies
• C. Decreases at low and high frequencies
• D. Varies unpredictably

Answer: (C)

The equal loudness contour illustrates how human ear sensitivity varies with frequency. At low frequencies, human hearing is less sensitive, meaning it takes a higher sound pressure level to perceive those sounds as equally loud compared to mid-range frequencies. This insensitivity continues at high frequencies as well, where again higher levels are needed for sounds to be perceived at the same loudness as others in the mid-frequency range. Consequently, the equal loudness contour demonstrates that sensitivity decreases at both low and high frequencies, indicating that the human ear does not respond uniformly across the auditory spectrum. This understanding is crucial for audio engineers and hearing instrument specialists, as it affects how sound is shaped and presented to individuals, ensuring that they receive a balanced auditory experience.

The equal loudness contour illustrates how human ear sensitivity varies with frequency. At low frequencies, human hearing is less sensitive, meaning it takes a higher sound pressure level to perceive those sounds as equally loud compared to mid-range frequencies. This insensitivity continues at high frequencies as well, where again higher levels are needed for sounds to be perceived at the same loudness as others in the mid-frequency range.

Consequently, the equal loudness contour demonstrates that sensitivity decreases at both low and high frequencies, indicating that the human ear does not respond uniformly across the auditory spectrum. This understanding is crucial for audio engineers and hearing instrument specialists, as it affects how sound is shaped and presented to individuals, ensuring that they receive a balanced auditory experience.