Categorical loudness scaling measures uncomfortable and comfortable loudness levels using verbal categories

Evidence

In cases where more rapid estimates are needed (such as clinical applications), another alternative is categorical loudness scaling, in which there is no explicit reference (e.g., Allen, Hall, & Jeng, 1990; Garner, 1953). These procedures are commonly used to measure the level at which sound is uncomfortably loud (the uncomfortable loudness level) or the level at which sound is most comfortable. In this procedure listeners are given a set of terms ranging from “very soft” to “painfully loud,” and they use those terms to categorize the loudness of the sounds they hear. This procedure has been adapted for clinical use due to its ease and speed of administration, and an example of the categories commonly used in clinical applications is shown in Figure 4–4 (Hawkins, Walden, Montgomery, & Prosek, 1987). — Jennifer Lentz, Psychoacoustics- Perception of Normal…, 741

Categorization

• DEFINE: Defines categorical loudness scaling and its clinical use for UCL and MCL measurement.
• XREF: Connects to clinical audiology testing conventions (UCL/MCL) used in hearing aid fitting.