What is defined as the area of hearing between the SRT and UCL?

The dynamic range is defined as the area of hearing between the speech reception threshold (SRT) and the uncomfortable loudness level (UCL). This range represents the spectrum of sound intensities over which a person can comfortably perceive speech without discomfort.

The speech reception threshold is the lowest level at which speech can be understood 50% of the time, marking the threshold for speech perception. The uncomfortable loudness level is the point at which sounds become uncomfortably loud for an individual.

The dynamic range thus quantifies the difference between these two measures, indicating the range of hearing ability that allows for the perception of speech comfortably. Understanding this concept is crucial for audiologists and hearing dispensers when assessing an individual’s hearing capabilities and setting appropriate amplification levels in hearing aids.

Other definitions, while relevant to audiology, do not characterize the range between SRT and UCL specifically, highlighting why the dynamic range is the correct response to the question.