Sound-unresponsive

Sound-unresponsive describes a state or condition characterized by a diminished or complete lack of reaction to auditory stimuli. This can manifest in various ways, ranging from subtle indications of inattentiveness to complete absence of behavioral or physiological responses to sounds. The term often implies a problem with auditory processing, the physical mechanics of hearing, or a cognitive difficulty interpreting or recognizing sounds, this making communication hard. The lack of reaction might indicate a medical issue, a psychological factor, or an environmental condition.

Sound-unresponsive meaning with examples

• The doctor suspected the child was sound-unresponsive, given the lack of startle reflex to loud noises during the hearing test. Further examination revealed mild hearing loss. This condition prevented them from turning when addressed, the family noticed this more and more frequently.
• Despite the loud music, the individual remained sound-unresponsive, lost in thought and seemingly unaware of the external auditory environment. This behavior was very unusual for them. There was a deep level of preoccupation with something else, as if the environment was nonexistent to them. The level of focus appeared to be almost an issue.
• After the head trauma, the patient became sound-unresponsive, exhibiting no reaction to speech or environmental sounds. Their recovery was slow. The doctors worked hard with testing. The family waited for this to get better. The prognosis was uncertain, though all signs were that the condition was getting better, at first slowly.
• In the noisy factory environment, the workers were often sound-unresponsive to safety alarms due to the constant background din. Some of them wore earplugs, which prevented this further. The environment was very loud, which impacted the ability to function effectively with sounds as needed. This was a serious safety concern and created a need for training.