Pronunciation: [dˈə͡ʊəm] (IPA) 
Dohm is a German word, pronounced as /doːm/. In IPA phonetic transcription, the second symbol is a long vowel sound that represents 'oh', while the third symbol is a consonant sound for 'm'. The first symbol is a voiced dental fricative sound that is absent in the word 'dohm' but can be heard in the related word 'dom'. The spelling of 'dohm' emphasizes the long vowel sound 'oh' while the consonant sound 'm' is pronounced with lip closure.
Dohm is a noun that refers to a unit of measurement commonly used in acoustics and noise pollution studies. Specifically, it represents the sound pressure level of a constant and steady sound that is subjectively judged to be equally as loud as the fluctuating or intermittent sound being measured. The term was first coined by German acoustical engineer Max G. Neumann in the mid-20th century.
In practice, a dohm is measure using a sound level meter. The meter is calibrated using a steady sound source (known as a dohmer) to accurately indicate the sound pressure level in dohms. This measurement is useful in various applications, such as determining the acceptable noise level for residential areas, detecting sources of noise pollution in industrial settings, and evaluating the impact of sound on human health and well-being.
The concept of a dohm allows for a more nuanced understanding of sound perception, as it accounts for the intermittent nature of certain noises that may be perceived as equally as loud as continuous sounds. By quantifying the loudness of intermittent sounds in relation to a steady sound, the dohm provides a standardized unit for assessing noise levels, enabling better comparison and analysis of noise data across different contexts and scenarios.
Overall, the dohm is a fundamental tool used to quantify and evaluate sound levels, contributing to the fields of acoustics and environmental science in investigating the impact of sound on society and the environment.
