What does a positive signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) indicate?

A positive signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) indicates that the signal is louder than the noise. SNR is a measure used to quantify how much a signal has been corrupted by noise. It is typically expressed in decibels (dB), where a higher SNR means that the signal is clearer and more distinguishable from background noise.

In practical terms, when SNR is positive, it means that the level of the useful signal exceeds the level of background noise, allowing for better clarity in communication and understanding. This is particularly important in settings such as auditory rehabilitation, where distinguishing speech from noise is critical for effective hearing and comprehension.

Understanding the implications of SNR is vital in fields such as audiology and speech therapy, where professionals help individuals with hearing impairments enhance their auditory processing in various environments.