Loudness Discrimination Index (LDI): a test for the early detection of noise susceptible individuals

Work has been completed at the Environmental Acoustics Laboratory during the past year on developing an industrially feasible Loudness Discrimination Index (LDI) Test. Data obtained on experimental subjects who had been exposed to brief, high-level sound showed that the maximum Loudness Discrimination Index Shift (LDIS-Max.) is a valid and reliable indicator of temporary, noise-induced, hearing change. This test is better suited to industrial usage than the traditional TTS test. Suggestions for the implementation of LDI testing in the industrial setting are discussed.