Most Comfortable Level
Also written as: MCL — Most Comfortable Level
The intensity level at which a listener perceives sound as most comfortable, used in hearing aid fitting and speech audiometry.
Full Definition
Most Comfortable Level (MCL) is the sound pressure level at which a listener subjectively reports the most comfortable listening experience. It is measured in dB HL and typically falls midway between the hearing threshold and the loudness discomfort level (LDL). In clinical audiology, MCL is used to guide initial hearing aid gain settings and to set presentation levels in speech audiometry. Editors should ensure MCL is not confused with LDL/ULL (the upper tolerance boundary) or with the speech recognition threshold (SRT), which is determined by accuracy rather than comfort. The abbreviation MCL should be expanded on first use in all formal documents.
Usage
Usage note: Expand the abbreviation MCL on first use. Do not confuse with LDL (loudness discomfort level) or SRT (speech reception threshold).
In Context
- "Speech stimuli were presented at the patient's MCL, which was established at 60 dB HL." — Speech audiometry report
- "Expand 'MCL' as 'most comfortable level' at first occurrence, then the abbreviation may be used throughout." — Clinical document style guide