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Temporal integration of infrasound at threshold.
Björn Friedrich1, Holger Joost2, Thomas Fedtke2
1Department of Experimental Audiology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
Plos One
|July 31, 2023
Summary
Infrasound detection thresholds in humans decrease with stimulus duration, a phenomenon known as temporal integration. Plateau bursts are detected more easily than multiple bursts, suggesting similar auditory mechanisms across frequency ranges.
Area of Science:
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Acoustics
- Psychoacoustics
Background:
- Infrasound, defined as sound below 20 Hz, is audible at high sound pressure levels.
- Previous research indicates elevated thresholds for infrasound compared to audible frequencies.
- The influence of temporal parameters on infrasound perception requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of duration and temporal envelope shape on infrasound detection thresholds.
- To compare detection thresholds for plateau bursts versus multiple bursts of infrasound.
- To evaluate the applicability of existing temporal integration models to infrasound perception.
Main Methods:
- Stimuli: Infrasound signals (below 20 Hz) with varying durations and two temporal envelope shapes (plateau and multiple bursts).
- Participants: Human listeners.
- Procedure: Monaural presentation via a low-distortion sound system to determine detection thresholds in quiet.
Main Results:
- Infrasound detection thresholds decreased with increasing stimulus duration for both envelope types, demonstrating temporal integration.
- Thresholds for plateau bursts were generally lower than for multiple bursts at equivalent durations.
- A modified temporal integration model accurately described the observed data.
Conclusions:
- Temporal integration mechanisms are similar for infrasound and classical audio frequencies.
- The shape of the temporal envelope significantly affects infrasound detection thresholds.
- The validated model can improve comparisons across studies on infrasound perception.
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