Masking operates on a continuous scale between audible and fully masked.

Evidence

The results from Hawkins and Stevens (1950) illustrate a small, but robust, effect of signal frequency. However, we can better observe the relationship between the frequency of maskers and the frequencies of the signals when experiments are conducted under variable frequency conditions. — Jennifer Lentz, Psychoacoustics- Perception of Normal…, 461 (#expands, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Masking is quantified as the threshold elevation a masker produces.; Masking effectiveness depends on masker-signal power, frequency, and timing relationships — Jennifer Lentz, Psychoacoustics- Perception of Normal…, 461; Loud maskers can paradoxically improve audibility at condensation peaks. (+1 more)

Broader Connections

• Masking is quantified as the threshold elevation a masker produces. #qualifies (0.85)
• Masking effectiveness depends on masker-signal power, frequency, and timing relationships #expands (0.80) — Jennifer Lentz, Psychoacoustics- Perception of Normal…, 461
• Loud maskers can paradoxically improve audibility at condensation peaks. #qualifies (0.75)