dB eHL
Pronunciation: dee-bee ee-aitch-ell
Also written as: dB eHL — decibels estimated Hearing Level
The unit used to express ASSR thresholds after statistical correction to approximate behavioral hearing level equivalents.
Full Definition
Decibels estimated Hearing Level (dB eHL) is a derived unit applied specifically to objective test results—most commonly ASSR—where raw electrophysiological thresholds have been corrected using normative correction factors to approximate the dB HL scale used in behavioral audiometry. The distinction from dB HL is clinically and editorially significant: using dB HL when dB eHL is meant implies a level of precision and behavioral correlation that objective tests cannot provide. Editors reviewing pediatric audiology reports must verify that ASSR results are reported in dB eHL unless the author has explicitly applied a validated correction. The abbreviation should always be accompanied by the full form on first use.
Usage
Usage note: Not interchangeable with dB HL. Flag any manuscript that uses dB HL for ASSR outputs without explicit justification from the author.
In Context
- "The infant's ASSR thresholds were recorded at 35 dB eHL at 2000 Hz, indicating mild hearing loss pending behavioral confirmation." — Newborn hearing screening report
- "The copy-editor queried whether the author intended dB eHL or dB HL for the frequency-specific electrophysiological thresholds." — Editorial query sheet