How is the Dynamic Range calculated?

Dynamic Range (DR) is an important concept in audiology, referring to the range of hearing that an individual has, measured in decibels (dB). It is determined by assessing the difference between the Uncomfortable Loudness Level (UCL) and the Speech Recognition Threshold (SRT).

UCL is the lowest level at which a sound is perceived as uncomfortably loud, while SRT is the lowest level at which speech can be understood correctly. By subtracting the SRT from the UCL, you clearly establish how large a range of sound is comfortable for a person to hear. This calculation effectively shows how much hearing capacity remains above the level of speech understanding until sounds become uncomfortably loud.

Thus, the formula for calculating Dynamic Range accurately represents the auditory capabilities of an individual, highlighting the threshold between comfortable and uncomfortable auditory stimuli.