Listeners benefit from but do not fully use broadband spectral information.

Evidence

That is, a change in level without a change in SNR was considered as good as—indeed if not better than—a change in SNR. While this finding does not coincide with their role in intelligibility, it is coincident with detectability of level and SNR changes (JNDs of 1.5 and 3.0 dB, respectively). — Dijk, Pim van, Physiology, Psychoacoustics and…, 5669 (#expands, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Broadband sounds are easier to localize than narrowband sounds; Humans hear spectral content, not waveform shape or phase shifts — , Toole, Floyd E - Sound reproduction-…, 504; Listeners may judge SNR changes via perceived intelligibility rather than raw signal level — Dijk, Pim van, Physiology, Psychoacoustics and…, 5669 (+2 more)

Broader Connections

• Frequency response varies wildly across a hall yet listeners barely notice #exemplifies (0.85)
• Listeners may judge SNR changes via perceived intelligibility rather than raw signal level #expands (0.80) — Dijk, Pim van, Physiology, Psychoacoustics and…, 5669
• Masking noise prevents listeners from using unintended spectral cues #qualifies (0.80)