Which unit is commonly used to measure sound intensity?

Sound intensity is often measured in decibels (dB). The decibel scale is a logarithmic unit that expresses the ratio of a particular sound intensity to a reference sound intensity, typically considered to be the threshold of hearing. This measurement allows for a broad range of sound intensities to be represented in a compact format, as the human auditory system can perceive a vast range of sound levels.

While Hertz is a unit of frequency that measures the number of cycles per second of a sound wave, volts measure electrical potential, and watts measure power, none of those units directly quantify sound intensity like decibels do. The use of decibels is particularly advantageous in audiology for assessing hearing levels, comparing sound levels, and understanding the potential impact of various sounds on hearing health, as it correlates well with human perception of loudness.