Temporal gap resolution in narrow-band noises with center frequencies from 6000-14000 Hz

Temporal resolution was examined in normal-hearing subjects using a broadband noise and five narrow-band noises with center frequencies (fc) spaced 2 kHz apart between 6 and 14 kHz. Bandwidths of the narrow-band signals were equal to 0.16 fc, and broadband noise maskers with spectral notches were used to restrict the listening bands. Subjects used a Békésy procedure to track the minimum signal level required to keep a periodic temporal gap of fixed duration at threshold. Gap durations from 25 ms to the smallest trackable value were tested with each signal to generate performance curves, which showed the relationship between gap resolution and signal level in the low-to-moderate intensity range. Results showed that gap resolution improved progressively with increased signal level to about 35 dB SL, where minimum gap thresholds of about 3 ms were observed for all signals. These results, when combined with previous low-frequency data, indicate that gap threshold decreases systematically with increased signal frequency to about 5 kHz, and asymptotes at 2-3 ms for higher frequencies. In the context of functional models, the frequency effect is qualitatively consistent with the notion that both the auditory filter and a sensory integrator operate in series to govern temporal resolution in audition.