Loudness, annoyance, and noisiness produced by single-tone-noise complexes

Single tones centered within the noise spectrum were added to three different broadband spectra: flat, low pass, and high pass. Judgments of overall loudness, annoyance, and noisiness (perceived magnitude) were obtained by absolute magnitude estimation (AME) supplemented by loudness matching. The data were evaluated to determine how the overall SPL of the noise-tone complex, and tone-to-noise ratio effect judged perceived magnitude. In addition, the relationship among the tree judged attributes was assessed. Results obtained with the different noise spectra show that the growth of perceived magnitude is a nonmonotonic function of the overall SPL of the noise-tone complex. More summation between tone and noise was found for relatively small tone-to-noise ratios (+5, +10, +15 dB), as measured in 1/3-octave bands, than for relatively large tone-to-noise ratios (+20 dV and greater). Data analysis suggests that the extent of the increments and decrements in perceived magnitude depends on the absolute loudness of the component stimuli, the interaction between a specific tone frequency and noise spectrum, and the attribute judged. An attempt is made to quantify the observed effects and to relate them to the published results of other investigators.