Logarithmic hearing means equal decibel steps need larger absolute pressure differences

Evidence

Use of the dB(SPL) scale results in a more convenient range of values (0 to 130) to consider, since values in the range of about 0 to 100 are common in everyday dealings. Also, it is a more appropriate basis for expressing acoustic amplitude values, changes in which are primarily perceived as variations in loudness, since loudness perception turns out to be essentially logarithmic in nature. — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 611 (#expands, via linked claim)

Categorization

Category: Causal Relationships

Related

• Decibel increases map powers of ten to logarithms (similarity 0.92)
• Perceived frequency differences scale logarithmically, not linearly with Hz (similarity 0.90)
• Loudness perception is essentially logarithmic (similarity 0.89)
• Loudness perception is logarithmic, which is why decibel scales fit hearing so well. (similarity 0.87)
• Audible pressure range spans over a million to one, forcing a logarithmic scale (similarity 0.86)
• The factor of 20 in SPL makes one decibel equal a just-noticeable loudness step (similarity 0.83)
• The decibel unit is calibrated to the smallest perceivable loudness change (similarity 0.82)
• Loudness depends on more than physical sound intensity alone (similarity 0.82)
• Sound intensity level and sound pressure level are roughly equivalent (similarity 0.82)
• Equal frequency ratios occupy equal perceptual distances regardless of starting pitch (similarity 0.82)
• The decibel multiplier calibrates integer changes to the ear’s just-noticeable differences (similarity 0.82)
• Sound pressure level is the standard because it matches hearing (similarity 0.82)
• Human hearing spans seven orders of magnitude in sound pressure (similarity 0.81)
• A 10 dB change roughly doubles or halves perceived loudness for complex sounds (similarity 0.81)
• Logarithmic dB scaling makes measurement errors have modest effects on conclusions (similarity 0.81)

Broader Connections

• Loudness perception is essentially logarithmic #expands (0.95) — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 611
• Loudness perception is logarithmic, which is why decibel scales fit hearing so well. #expands (0.90)
• Decibel sound levels cannot be added directly because they are logarithmic #expands (0.85)
• Sound pressure level is the standard because it matches hearing #corroborates (0.80)
• Decibel increases map powers of ten to logarithms #expands (0.80)
• The cochlea’s logarithmic place analysis explains why musical intervals sound the same across registers. #exemplifies (0.75)
• The decibel unit is calibrated to the smallest perceivable loudness change #responds-to (0.72) — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 181