What is the term for the time taken for an amplifier to return to its steady-state after a loud sound ends?

The term that describes the time taken for an amplifier to return to its steady-state after a loud sound ends is known as release time. This concept is essential to understanding how hearing aids process sounds, particularly in environments with varying sound levels.

When a loud sound occurs, the amplifier may initially boost the sound to prevent discomfort or distortion, and then must eventually return to its normal setting or steady-state to ensure a comfortable listening experience. The release time measures how quickly this transition occurs. A shorter release time can lead to a more natural sound experience because the amplification can adjust more responsively to changes in the sound environment.

In contrast, attack time refers to how quickly the amplifier responds to the onset of a sound, rather than its return to a steady state. Compression time relates to the dynamics of audio processing and how sounds above certain levels are limited, but does not specifically address the return to steady-state after a loud sound. Response time can be a broader term that encompasses various time-related aspects of the amplifier's performance but does not specifically denote the return to a steady-state after a loud sound ends.