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Temporal masking curves for hearing-impaired listeners
Thomas H Stainsby1, Brian C J Moore
1Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EB, England, United Kingdom. ths22@cam.ac.uk
Hearing Research
|July 18, 2006
Summary
This study investigated forward masking decay in hearing loss patients, finding that decay rates vary by signal frequency. These findings suggest caution when inferring basilar membrane compression using standard temporal masking curves.
Area of Science:
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Psychoacoustics
- Hearing Science
Background:
- Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) often involves reduced cochlear compression.
- Investigating forward masking decay can reveal properties of the auditory system.
- Previous studies suggest basilar membrane (BM) compression is altered in SNHL.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the decay of forward masking in individuals with moderate SNHL.
- To assess if BM compression is absent in these subjects.
- To determine if forward masking decay varies with signal frequency.
Main Methods:
- Temporal masking curves (TMCs) were measured for three SNHL subjects.
- Delays ranged from 0 to 75 ms across five signal frequencies (500-6000 Hz).
- Masker frequencies were set relative to signal frequencies (0.5-1.3 times fs).
Main Results:
- TMCs were generally linear and parallel, supporting the absence of BM compression.
- Slopes of TMCs were steeper for lower signal frequencies (500 and 1000 Hz).
- This frequency-dependent slope suggests forward masking decay differs across frequencies.
Conclusions:
- Forward masking decay is not uniform across all signal frequencies in SNHL.
- Using high signal frequencies to infer BM compression at low frequencies may be inaccurate.
- Results highlight the frequency-specific nature of auditory processing in SNHL.
