What unit is used to measure sound volume?

Decibels are the units commonly used to measure sound volume, or sound intensity. They provide a logarithmic scale that reflects the relative loudness of sounds, making it easier to express a wide range of sound levels that the human ear can perceive. For instance, normal conversation might measure around 60 decibels, while sounds above 85 decibels can potentially lead to hearing damage with prolonged exposure. This scale is critical in hearing conservation practices as it aids in assessing noise hazards and establishing safe listening levels.

Hertz, on the other hand, measures the frequency of sound waves, defining how many cycles occur per second, and is more related to pitch than volume. Watts refer to power, particularly in electrical terms, and amperes relate to electric current; neither of these units address sound measurement directly. Using decibels for sound volume effectively communicates important auditory information, which is essential in contexts like workplace safety and hearing conservation.