Time-intensity trade for speech: a temporal speech-Stenger effect

Time-intensity trade for selected spondaically stressed words was investigated using a centering method for interaural time delays of 0.00, 1.00, 2.00, 2.25, 2.50, and 2.75 msec at five levels of presentation: 0-, 25-, 40-, 55-, AND 70-DB HL (ANSI, 1969). Lateralization effects increased with level of presentation, with a maximum lateralization effect of between 22 and 30 dB occuring with an interaural time delay of 2.25 msec. Multiple images were perceived by all subjects with an interaural time delay of 2.75 msec and by some subjects with an interaural time delay of 2.50 msec at high levels of presentation. No "ear effect" was observed for any of the listeners. A potential clinical application is discussed for this temporal speech-Stenger effect.