Microcomputer-controlled psychoacoustics in clinical audiology

Several commonly used psychoacoustical procedures for the evaluation of auditory function can only be carried out practically when a computer is used to control stimulus presentation. In particular, there are several procedures, such as gap detection and non-simultaneous masking, which require accurate and adaptable timing of signals which could not be conveniently carried out using manually operated or hard-wired equipment. This paper describes the development of a practical system for clinical research which is capable of carrying out a wide range of psychoacoustical procedures. The development has involved three stages: (a) General design of the system so that it is suited to the procedures envisaged; (b) design of the hardware to meet acoustical constraints such as linearity and signal-to-noise ratio; and (c) software development to provide a means for the non-expert of producing control programs with a minimum of effort. Although the system is still being improved, it is now in practical use and it is possible to produce new working control programs within a few minutes.