Define the term "audiometric zero."

The term "audiometric zero" refers specifically to the reference level for auditory sensitivity. It serves as a baseline to which hearing thresholds are compared. This standard is established by averaging the hearing thresholds of a group of individuals with normal hearing, thereby creating a point of reference that audiologists can use when assessing an individual’s hearing capabilities.

When a hearing test is conducted, individual thresholds are determined and compared to audiometric zero to assess the degree of hearing loss, if any. In essence, audiometric zero is crucial for calibrating audiometric equipment and ensuring consistent measurements across different environments and among various populations. This concept is central to audiometry and is used in determining how well a person hears compared to the average threshold of normal hearing.