Uncomfortable Loudness Level
Also written as: ULL — Uncomfortable Loudness Level
The intensity level, in dB HL, at which a sound becomes uncomfortably loud for a patient; used to establish the upper boundary of the dynamic range of hearing.
Full Definition
The uncomfortable loudness level (ULL), sometimes called the loudness discomfort level (LDL), represents the highest tolerable sound intensity before a listener reports significant discomfort. It is measured as part of a comprehensive audiological assessment to determine the dynamic range between threshold and tolerance, informing hearing-aid fitting and amplification targets. ULL values guide audiologists in setting maximum output limits on hearing devices to prevent over-amplification. Editors must distinguish ULL from the speech recognition threshold and from aided sound field measurements; these are categorically different measurements. The term may appear as UCL (uncomfortable loudness level) or LDL depending on the reporting convention of the clinic or country.
Usage
Usage note: Clinics may use UCL (uncomfortable loudness level) or LDL (loudness discomfort level) interchangeably; flag inconsistency within a single document.
In Context
- "The patient's uncomfortable loudness level was recorded at 90 dB HL across the speech frequencies." — Hearing aid fitting report
- "ULL and LDL are used interchangeably in some jurisdictions; editors should standardize to the clinic's house style." — Editorial style guide for audiology