Bekesy-tracked aural harmonic distortion thresholds and uncomfortable loudness levels

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Hearing Science
• Psychoacoustics

Background:

• Aural harmonic distortion is a phenomenon affecting sound perception.
• Understanding loudness perception and distortion is crucial for audiological assessment.
• Previous research has not fully explored distortion perception across different hearing levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate uncomfortable loudness levels and distortion perception thresholds using sweep-frequency Bekesy audiometry.
• To compare these measures in individuals with normal hearing and sensorineural hearing impairment.
• To analyze the relationship between hearing impairment and the perception of aural harmonic distortion.

Main Methods:

• Sweep-frequency Bekesy audiometry was employed.
• Listeners included individuals with normal hearing and sensorineural hearing loss.
• A continuous-interrupted tone crossover tracking pattern was used to measure uncomfortable loudness levels and distortion onset.

Main Results:

• Sensorineural hearing impairment elevated the intensity needed for overload and distortion.
• Hearing impairment reduced the range between the audiometric threshold and aural harmonic distortion onset.
• A tracking pattern for uncomfortable loudness levels was observed to vary with distortion levels.

Conclusions:

• Hearing impairment significantly alters the perception of auditory distortion and loudness.
• Findings suggest a reduced dynamic range in individuals with hearing loss concerning distortion perception.
• The study highlights the importance of considering these factors in suprathreshold audiometric evaluations.