VI Subtractive Hearing Loss, Loudness Recruitment and Decruitment

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Abstract
The normal relation of subjective loudness to intensity is regular, smooth and lawful. The most frequently recognized abnormality of the loudness function is a more-rapid-than-normal growth of loudness with increase of intensity, namely, loudness recruitment. An hypothesis is presented to the effect that a random loss of sensory units ("sensory unit" is defined as a nerve fiber of the auditory nerve and the sensory cells of the organ of Corti which excite it) may result in a reduction of the maximum subjective loudness. Several cases of neural and central lesions are presented, some with normal thresholds. These illustrate a less-rapid-than-normal growth of loudness with intensity which may be attributed to such a loss or block of sensory units. The condition is referred to as "decruitment".

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