uncomfortable loudness level
The intensity level at which a listener reports sound as uncomfortably loud, used to establish the upper boundary of the dynamic range for hearing aid fitting.
Full Definition
Uncomfortable loudness level (ULL), also called loudness discomfort level (LDL), is measured in dB HL and marks the upper limit of a patient's comfortable listening range. It is a key parameter in hearing aid prescription, ensuring amplification does not exceed the patient's tolerance. Clinicians typically measure ULL using recorded stimuli or live voice at progressively increasing intensities. Editors working on audiology documents should note that ULL and LDL are used interchangeably in different regions and clinical traditions; consistency within a single document is essential. The term is distinct from the threshold of discomfort, which some sources define at a slightly different perceptual criterion.
Usage
Usage note: ULL and LDL are often used interchangeably; flag inconsistent usage within a document. Always include the unit (dB HL) when citing a measured value.
In Context
- "The audiologist recorded an uncomfortable loudness level of 100 dB HL, guiding the maximum output setting of the hearing aid." — Audiological assessment report
- "Establishing the patient's ULL is essential before programming wide dynamic range compression." — Hearing aid fitting protocol