Cochlear Implants
Introduction
Terminology
In scientific literature, the following abbreviations are used to denote specific levels of electrical stimulation:
- M or MCL: Stands for Most Comfortable Level or Maximum Comfortable Level. "Most Comfortable Level" is the most commonly used and recommended term to avoid confusion. This level refers to the point at which sounds are comfortably perceived, neither too loud nor too soft. The term "Maximum Comfortable Level" is less commonly used and can sometimes refer to the highest level that is still comfortable, just below the pain threshold.
- C: Stands for Comfortable Level. This is sometimes used as an alternative to "M" and refers to the same concept of a comfortable stimulation level.
- T or THL: Stands for Threshold Level. This is the lowest level of electrical stimulation that the user can perceive.
- USL or MSL: Stands for Upper Stimulus Level or Maximum Stimulation Level. This level indicates the point at which sound becomes painful or uncomfortable for the user.
There is some variation in terminology depending on the manufacturer or specific studies. Generally, there are three key levels: 1. hearing threshold, 2. comfortable level, and 3. pain threshold, which are denoted in different ways.