Loudness recruitment is the phenomenon where sounds become uncomfortably loud at lower intensities for individuals with hearing loss. The word is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈlaʊdnəs rɪˈkruːtmənt/. This transcription indicates that the word is pronounced with two syllables. The stress falls on the first syllable of both words, and the "ou" in "loudness" is pronounced as the diphthong "au". Furthermore, the "cru" in "recruitment" is pronounced as "kr" and the final vowel is reduced.
Loudness recruitment, also known as hyperacusis, is a medical condition that affects the auditory system and causes an abnormal perception of sound intensity. It is characterized by an over-amplified response to low or moderate sound levels, leading to an exaggerated experience of loudness.
In individuals with loudness recruitment, the normal dynamic range of hearing is reduced, meaning that there is a decreased ability to perceive sound softer than a certain threshold. This threshold is often shifted towards higher sound levels, causing even moderately loud sounds to be perceived as extremely loud and potentially painful.
Loudness recruitment is commonly associated with sensorineural hearing loss, a type of hearing impairment caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. When the sensory hair cells in the inner ear are damaged, they become more sensitive to sound, resulting in the amplification of sound signals. This compensatory mechanism leads to the perception of loudness being exaggerated beyond its actual intensity.
The symptoms of loudness recruitment can vary from person to person, but may include discomfort or pain when exposed to everyday sounds, difficulty distinguishing between different sound intensities, and an increased sensitivity to loud noises. This condition can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, affecting their ability to participate in social activities, work, or even carry out daily tasks.
Treatment options for loudness recruitment include the use of hearing aids or assistive listening devices that help to amplify sounds selectively, reducing the impact of this condition. Counseling and sound therapy techniques may also be beneficial in managing the emotional and psychological effects of loudness recruitment.
The term "Loudness Recruitment" is derived from two main words: "loudness" and "recruitment".
- "Loudness" refers to the perception of sound intensity or volume. It is derived from the Old English word "hlūd", which means "making noise" or "crying out loudly". Over time, the word evolved and gained its current meaning.
- "Recruitment" refers to the process of increasing the number or intensity of something. It is derived from the Latin word "re" (meaning "again") and "crutare" (meaning "to summon" or "to strengthen"). In this context, "recruitment" specifically refers to the abnormal increase in loudness perception exhibited by individuals with hearing loss.