Editing Hyperacusis (section)

== Diagnosis ==
[[File:LDL-Audiogram.jpg|thumb|upright=1.15|'''Loudness discomfort levels (LDLs)''': group data of hyperacusis patients without hearing loss. Upper line: average hearing thresholds. Lower long line: LDLs of this group. Lower short line: LDLs of a reference group with normal hearing.<ref name="pmid26029161">{{cite journal | vauthors = Sheldrake J, Diehl PU, Schaette R | title = Audiometric characteristics of hyperacusis patients | journal = Frontiers in Neurology | volume = 6 | pages = 105 | year = 2015 | pmid = 26029161 | pmc = 4432660 | doi = 10.3389/fneur.2015.00105 | doi-access = free }}</ref>]]
The basic diagnostic test is similar to a normal [[audiogram]]. The difference is that, in addition to the hearing threshold at each test frequency, the lowest uncomfortable sound level is also measured. This level is called ''loudness discomfort level'' (LDL) or ''uncomfortable loudness level'' (ULL). In patients with hyperacusis this level is often considerably lower than in normal subjects, and usually across most parts of the auditory spectrum.<ref name="pmid25104073"/><ref name="pmid26029161"/> However, there is not a consensus regarding what constitutes a normal LDL. The relationship between LDL's and self-reported ability to tolerate sounds in everyday life in unclear.<ref name="Jahn-2022">{{Cite journal |last=Jahn |first=Kelly N. |date=July 2022 |title=Clinical and investigational tools for monitoring noise-induced hyperacusis |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1121/10.0012684 |journal= The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America |volume=152 |issue=1 |pages=553–566 |doi=10.1121/10.0012684 |pmid= 35931527 |pmc=9448410 |bibcode=2022ASAJ..152..553J |issn=0001-4966}}</ref>

In addition to self-report questionnaires, audiologists may employ a variety of other techniques to evaluate auditory function in patients experiencing noise sensitivity. When conducting testing that involves the presentation of sounds, which may cause the patient discomfort or pain, it is vital to inform the patient of the volume and duration of sounds to be presented prior to testing. Care should be taken to begin with sounds of low volume, and volume should be increased gradually. The audiologist and patient should both be prepared to stop testing at any time, depending on the patient's symptoms.<ref name="Jahn-2022" />