Which of the following best describes the term 'audibility'?

Audibility refers specifically to the ability to hear sounds. It encompasses the aspect of sound perception that allows an individual to detect various frequencies and intensities of sounds. This concept is central to audiology and hearing aids, as it directly relates to how well a person can hear in different environments and situations.

Understanding audibility is crucial for hearing aid specialists, as they aim to enhance a user's ability to perceive sound effectively. By improving audibility, hearing aids can help individuals detect sounds that they might otherwise miss, thus facilitating communication and interaction with their environment.

In contrast, clarity of sound pertains more to how distinguishable and understandable sounds are, which includes factors beyond mere detection. Recognition of phonemes involves identifying specific sounds within speech, which takes audibility further into the realm of cognitive processing. The quality of being heard is a broader concept that might include volume and other factors but does not specifically define the ability to hear sounds themselves, making it less precise than the correct choice.