How Is LDL (Loudness Discomfort Level) Measured? Can the Test Cause Damage?

[ee215909]

Hello all,

I am supposed to be going in on Thursday to meet with a new audiologist for the first time. I suspect she will want to conduct an LDL test, among other testing, to discuss next steps.

I am just wondering how is the LDL test measured? I know it is based on the discomfort of an individual related to a given frequency, but does it measure if I think a noise is loud vs. uncomfortable vs. unbearable?

I know it is subjective, but I guess I don't understand the cut-off line. Any clarification would help.

Also, I am nervous that such a test will aggravate my hyperacusis or tinnitus/cause some type of damage.

 

[Croaker]

Measuring LDLs in a hyperacusis patient is as stupid as twisting the ankle of someone with a bad sprain to see how bad the injury is.

 

[Jrblovsky]

Measuring LDLs in a hyperacusis patient is as stupid as twisting the ankle of someone with a bad sprain to see how bad the injury is.

Isn't the purpose of doing this test to know the level of amplification to give the patient, if any at all?

 

[HeavyMantra]

You will probably wear headphones and be exposed to speech or tones at a low level. You can ask the audiologist to start extra low to be sure. Explain you have hyperacusis and have doubts about the test.

The audiologist will raise the noise level in 5 dB increments until you signal them to stop. So the amount of dBs you're exposed to is up to you, protect yourself. Stop at "psychologically uncomfortable" instead of "painful" regardless of what the audiologist says, who may or may not have an understanding about hyperacusis. You can also insist that the audiologist never goes higher than 70 dB or whatever figure you feel comfortable with.

Myself? I'm comfortable with 40 dB noise + speech tests, which is very low. I was exposed to 65-70 dB by accident by another audiology student and that was way above my LDL since I threw off the headphones immediately, had an anxiety attack, and got a hyperacusis and tinnitus spike. Not sure how much sense LDL tests make for people with hyperacusis, I guess you're hoping to get a hyperacusis diagnosis?