Derivation of auditory filter shapes from notched-noise data

doi:10.1016/0378-5955(90)90170-T

Hearing Research

Volume 47, Issues 1–2, 1 August 1990, Pages 103-138

https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-5955(90)90170-T Get rights and content

Abstract

A well established method for estimating the shape of the auditory filter is based on the measurement of the threshold of a sinusoidal signal in a notched-noise masker, as a function of notch width. To measure the asymmetry of the filter, the notch has to be placed both symmetrically and asymmetrically about the signal frequency. In previous work several simplifying assumptions and approximations were made in deriving auditory filter shapes from the data. In this paper we describe modifications to the fitting procedure which allow more accurate derivations. These include: 1) taking into account changes in filter bandwidth with centre frequency when allowing for the effects of off-frequency listening; 2) correcting for the non-flat frequency response of the earphone; 3) correcting for the transmission characteristics of the outer and middle ear; 4) limiting the amount by which the centre frequency of the filter can shift in order to maximise the signal-to-masker ratio. In many cases, these modifications result in only small changes to the derived filter shape. However, at very high and very low centre frequencies and for hearing-impaired subjects the differences can be substantial. It is also shown that filter shapes derived from data where the notch is always placed symmetrically about the signal frequency can be seriously in error when the underlying filter is markedly asymmetric. New formulae are suggested describing the variation of the auditory filter with frequency and level. The implications of the results for the calculation of excitation patterns are discussed and a modified procedure is proposed. The appendix lists FORTRAN computer programs for deriving auditory filter shapes from notched-noise data and for calculating excitation patterns. The first program can readily be modified so as to derive auditory filter shapes from data obtained with other types of maskers, such as rippled noise.

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Derivation of auditory filter shapes from notched-noise data

Abstract

Hear. Res.

The Auditory Periphery: Biophysics and Physiology

Auditory filter characteristics and consonant recognition for hearing-impaired listeners

J. Acoust. Soc. Am.

A free-field equalizer for the TDH 39 earphones

J. Acoust. Soc. Am.

Auditory filter shapes in subjects with unilateral and bilateral cochlear impairments

J. Acoust. Soc. Am.

Highfrequency audiometric assessment of a young adult population

J. Acoust. Soc. Am.

Critical bandwidth and the frequency coordinates of the basilar membrane

J. Acoust. Soc. Am.

Auditory-filter characteristics derived from direct-masking data and pulsation-threshold data with a rippled-noise masker

J. Acoust. Soc. Am.

Revised estimate of minimum audible pressure. Where is the ‘missing 6 dB’

J. Acoust. Soc. Am.

New insert earphones for audiometry

Hearing Instruments

Input impedance of the cochlea in cat

J. Acoust. Soc. Am.

Parallels between frequency selectivity measured psychophysically and in cochlear mechanics

Scand. Audiol. Suppl.

Suggested formulae for calculating auditory-filter bandwidths and excitation patterns

J. Acoust. Soc. Am.

Auditory filter shapes at low center frequencies

J. Acoust. Soc. Am.

Sound pressures in the basal turn of the cat cochlea

J. Acoust. Soc. Am.