Acoustic-reflex dynamics and the loudness-discomfort level. 1985

D G Greenfield, and T L Wiley, and M G Block

Acoustic-reflex growth functions and Loudness-Discomfort Level (LDL) measures were obtained for 15 normal-hearing subjects. The hypothesis that signals considered uncomfortably loud occur at intensity levels that produce proportionately equal acoustic-reflex magnitudes was evaluated. Individual reflex growth functions were measured as a function of activator SPL for a 1000-Hz tone, a 4000-Hz tone, and a broadband noise. These growth functions were measured within subjects (two trials) and across subjects in terms of (a) percentage acoustic-impedance change at LDL, (b) percentage acoustic-reactance change at LDL, (c) acoustic impedance at LDL, (d) relative change in acoustic impedance at LDL, and (e) ratio of static acoustic impedance to change in acoustic impedance at LDL. Although the loudness and acoustic-reflex measures demonstrated good reliability across trials, the data showed large variability across subjects and did not support the experimental hypothesis. It was concluded, therefore, that the use of acoustic-reflex measures in the estimation of an individual's LDL is unwarranted.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008144 Loudness Perception The perceived attribute of a sound which corresponds to the physical attribute of intensity. Loudness Perceptions,Perception, Loudness,Perceptions, Loudness
D012018 Reflex An involuntary movement or exercise of function in a part, excited in response to a stimulus applied to the periphery and transmitted to the brain or spinal cord.
D012022 Reflex, Acoustic Intra-aural contraction of tensor tympani and stapedius in response to sound. Acoustic Reflex
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000161 Acoustic Stimulation Use of sound to elicit a response in the nervous system. Auditory Stimulation,Stimulation, Acoustic,Stimulation, Auditory
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults

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