Loudness Recruitment
An abnormal, rapid growth of perceived loudness with increasing sound intensity, commonly associated with sensorineural cochlear damage.
Full Definition
Loudness recruitment describes the phenomenon whereby a person with cochlear hearing loss perceives a rapid, disproportionate increase in loudness as sound intensity rises above their elevated threshold. It arises from outer hair cell damage and the resulting loss of the cochlea's compressive amplification. Editors encounter this term in audiology reports, hearing aid fitting documentation, and aural rehabilitation programme notes. It is clinically significant because it narrows the dynamic range of comfortable listening and directly influences hearing aid gain prescription. The condition must not be confused with hyperacusis, which involves sound sensitivity even in ears with normal thresholds.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenated as an attributive noun phrase ('loudness-recruitment effect'). Distinguish clearly from hyperacusis in clinical copy.
In Context
- "The audiologist noted loudness recruitment in the high-frequency region, necessitating a compression ratio adjustment in the hearing aid prescription." — Clinical audiology report
- "Editors should verify that 'loudness recruitment' and 'hyperacusis' are not used interchangeably in patient-facing materials." — Editorial style guide note