Presenting speech at the same loudness minimizes forward-masking differences

Evidence

Next, evaluating the data from the listeners with normal hearing, we see that thresholds were much lower for the same-SL conditions than the same-SPL conditions. Here, the release from forward masking over time was greatly diminished compared with the same-SPL data measured in the same listeners. However, when we compare these data with the data from the listeners with SNHL, the masking release was still faster but only slightly. Presenting stimuli at the same sensation levels illustrates that forward-masking effects can be similar between two groups of listeners, although hearing loss is still associated with a reduced release from forward masking. — Jennifer Lentz, Psychoacoustics- Perception of Normal…, 1109

Categorization

• QUESTION: Raises the clinical question of whether normalizing loudness perception (e.g. via compression amplification) could reduce forward-masking deficits, worth chasing in the hearing-aid chapters.