Acoustic sensitivity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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acoustic sensitivity

[əˈkuːstɪk sɛnsɪˈtɪvɪti ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

hearing

The ability to detect and interpret sounds in the environment.

Synonyms

auditory sensitivity, hearing sensitivity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
acoustic sensitivity	This term is often used in technical or scientific discussions related to the quality of sound detection in devices or environments. It is typically applied when talking about the measurement of sound responses. The acoustic sensitivity of this microphone is impressive, making it ideal for recording studios. Engineers tested the acoustic sensitivity of the auditorium to ensure clear sound quality.
hearing sensitivity	Commonly used in everyday language or medical contexts to refer to how well a person can hear. It can be used both for describing sharp hearing and conditions like hypersensitivity involving discomfort or pain due to sounds. Her hearing sensitivity has improved since she started wearing the new hearing aid. Those with increased hearing sensitivity might experience discomfort in noisy environments.
auditory sensitivity	This phrase is typically used in medical or psychological contexts to refer to a person's ability to hear sounds. It can describe a heightened awareness of sounds or increased reactivity to noise. Children with auditory sensitivity may find loud noises overwhelming. The doctor explained that his patient's auditory sensitivity was higher than average.

Word

Description / Examples

acoustic sensitivity

This term is often used in technical or scientific discussions related to the quality of sound detection in devices or environments. It is typically applied when talking about the measurement of sound responses.

The acoustic sensitivity of this microphone is impressive, making it ideal for recording studios.
Engineers tested the acoustic sensitivity of the auditorium to ensure clear sound quality.

hearing sensitivity

Commonly used in everyday language or medical contexts to refer to how well a person can hear. It can be used both for describing sharp hearing and conditions like hypersensitivity involving discomfort or pain due to sounds.

Her hearing sensitivity has improved since she started wearing the new hearing aid.
Those with increased hearing sensitivity might experience discomfort in noisy environments.

auditory sensitivity

This phrase is typically used in medical or psychological contexts to refer to a person's ability to hear sounds. It can describe a heightened awareness of sounds or increased reactivity to noise.

Children with auditory sensitivity may find loud noises overwhelming.
The doctor explained that his patient's auditory sensitivity was higher than average.

Examples of usage

Her acoustic sensitivity allowed her to hear even the faintest noises.
His acoustic sensitivity was so acute that he could distinguish between different bird calls.
The baby's acoustic sensitivity was remarkable, as she could hear frequencies that adults could not.
The professor's research focused on understanding the mechanisms behind acoustic sensitivity in marine animals.
The acoustic sensitivity of bats is crucial for their ability to navigate and hunt in the dark.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Individuals with this condition may experience heightened awareness of sounds, leading to stress or anxiety in noisy environments.
Acoustic sensitivity can be linked to sensory processing disorder, affecting how the brain processes sounds.

Health

People suffering from conditions like autism or migraines often report heightened acoustic sensitivity.
This sensitivity can lead to avoidance of certain places, like crowded restaurants or busy streets, due to overwhelming noise.

Art and Music

Some artists intentionally use acoustic sensitivity in their work, creating music that evokes specific emotional responses through sound.
There is a genre of music called 'ambient' that uses soft sounds to create a calming atmosphere for those with sensitivity.

Technology

Modern soundproofing techniques are designed specifically to help those with acoustic sensitivity by minimizing disruptive noises.
Noise-canceling headphones have become essential tools for individuals who experience discomfort with high levels of sound.

Origin of 'acoustic sensitivity'

Main points about word origin

The word 'acoustic' comes from the Greek word 'akoustikos', which means 'of hearing'.
The term 'sensitivity' comes from the Latin word 'sensitivus', meaning 'capable of feeling'.

The term 'acoustic sensitivity' originated from the combination of 'acoustic' referring to sound and 'sensitivity' indicating the ability to detect or perceive. The concept of acoustic sensitivity has been studied in various fields, including biology, psychology, and engineering, to understand how organisms or devices respond to sound stimuli. The importance of acoustic sensitivity is evident in animals relying on hearing for communication, navigation, and hunting, as well as in the development of technologies such as microphones and hearing aids.