Raising speech to equal 85 dB SPL reduces normal listeners’ masking release benefit

Evidence

Performance was generally worse overall for both the young and age-matched NH listeners, compared to results at the lower sound level. In addition, the difference between the PT and MT conditions was reduced. This reduction was observed even in the non-vocoded conditions, but was particularly apparent in the vocoded conditions. In fact, in the vocoded conditions, the differences between the NH groups and the HI group were relatively small. — Dijk, Pim van, Physiology, Psychoacoustics and…, 2186

Categorization

• XREF: Relevant to loudness recruitment literature — fixed high SPL presentation reduces the effective dynamic range and thus dip-listening opportunities in NH ears.