What is the purpose of Wide Dynamic Range Compression (WDRC)?

Wide Dynamic Range Compression (WDRC) is primarily designed to make inaudible sounds more audible, which is essential for individuals with varying degrees of hearing loss. It accomplishes this by compressing the dynamic range of sound, which means it reduces the difference between the softest and loudest sounds. This allows softer sounds to be amplified more than louder sounds, ensuring that the user can hear quiet speech and other important sounds in their environment without being overwhelmed by loud noises.

This process is particularly beneficial for those who have trouble detecting softer sounds, as it enhances their overall ability to perceive a full range of sounds effectively. The goal of WDRC is thus to improve speech understanding and listening comfort for the user, especially in situations where background noise is present.