Which unit of measure is preferred for sound levels?

The preferred unit of measure for sound levels is the decibel. Decibels are a logarithmic unit used to express the ratio of a value, such as sound intensity, relative to a reference level. Specifically, in the context of sound, decibels quantify the intensity of sound in relation to the threshold of hearing. This makes it a particularly useful measure because it reflects how human ears perceive changes in loudness, where a small change in decibels corresponds to a significant change in perceived sound.

While hertz is the unit for measuring frequency and is relevant for describing the pitch or tone of sound, it does not quantify sound intensity or loudness. Deca-volts and newtons measure electrical potential and force, respectively, and are not applicable in the context of sound levels. Thus, the decibel is the most appropriate standard for discussing and measuring sound levels in various environments.