Frequency resolution and temporal resolution in sensorineural hearing-impaired listeners

Abstract

Temporal masking patterns and frequency tuning curves were obtained from normal-hearing and hearing-impaired listeners by measuring masker levels that just forward masked a probe tone of constant intensity and constant frequency. Time constants calculated from the temporal masking functions were larger for hearing-impaired listeners than for normal-hearing listeners. Comparisons of time constants and tuning bandwidths, both obtained from the same listeners, demonstrated a high correlation. Those listeners with the longest time constants exhibited the broadest tuning; they also demonstrated the greatest amount of hearing loss. [This research supported by grants from NINCDS.]