Detection of Tones in the Absence of External Masking Noise. I. Effects of Signal Intensity and Signal Frequency

• DOI: 10.1121/1.1913153
• Publication Date: 2005-10-03T21:33:00Z
• Authors: Charles S. Watson; John R. Franks; Donald C. Hood
• Keywords: SIGNAL (programming language); Detection theory

Twelve highly trained listeners detected tonal signals in the absence of external masking noise. The were 150 msec long and ranged from 125 to 4000 Hz. Fitted psychometric functions steeper at high than low frequencies requiring between 3- 8-dB increase signal level raise performance 60% 95% correct. levels that yield 76% correct detection a two-alternative, forced-choice psychophysical procedure good agreement with International Standards Organization's recommended values audiometric zero. results are consistent limitation imposed on auditory sensitivity by “system noise” which is composed noise ear canal frequencies, low-level (−11 dB SPL) component unspecified origin medium frequencies. No qualitative differences observed without previous data tones masked