Kneepoint
Pronunciation: NEE-point
The input sound pressure level at which a hearing aid transitions from linear amplification to compression, also called the compression threshold.
Full Definition
The kneepoint (also written knee-point or knee point) marks the boundary on an input-output curve below which the hearing aid operates with fixed (linear) gain and above which compression is applied. Below the kneepoint, every 1 dB increase in input produces a 1 dB increase in output; above it, the compression ratio takes effect. Editors will encounter this term in device specification sheets, fitting software documentation, and peer-reviewed amplification research. Both 'kneepoint' (one word) and 'compression threshold' are used interchangeably across manufacturers, and editors should standardise whichever form a house style requires.
Usage
Usage note: Style varies by publisher: 'kneepoint' (one word) is preferred in most current clinical engineering texts; avoid 'knee point' (two words) unless following a specific house style.
In Context
- "Lowering the kneepoint to 45 dB SPL ensured that even soft conversational speech received compression benefit." — Hearing Aid Programming Guide
- "The manuscript used 'kneepoint' and 'compression threshold' interchangeably; the editor standardised to 'kneepoint' throughout." — Journal Manuscript Copyediting Note