Temporal and masking phenomena in persons with sensorineural hearing loss

Abstract

Relatively few experimental investigations have studied backward or forward masking, masking level differences, or differential frequency effects in simultaneous masking among persons with hearing impairment. This is regrettable since such efforts may lead to important new understandings of auditory processes. This paper reviews available data, discusses some precautions of experimental procedure, and offers suggestions for future research directions.

Key Words:

• Temporal integration
• Auditory masking
• Speech discrimination in noise
• Backward and forward masking
• Central masking
• Detection of gaps in noise
• sensorineural hearing loss