Effect of sloping high‐frequency cochlear losses on loudness functions at lower frequencies

Abstract

The relation between loudness at low and middle frequencies and auditory thresholds at high frequencies was determined in a hearing‐impaired population with sloping high‐frequency cochlear losses. Nine people, all with steep symmetrical bilateral losses, participated in the study. Loudness was measured at two frequencies in the normal‐hearing region by magnitude estimation and production. Despite a marked increase in thresholds at frequencies just above the upper test frequency, both the dynamic range measured for loudness and the tone's rate of loudness growth were essentially the same at the two test frequencies. Moreover, the loudness functions were the same as the monaural loudness function measured at 1000 Hz in normal hearing. Consistent with the findings of other studies, the results indicate that the magnitude of loudness does not depend on the high‐frequency excitation pattern evoked by the tone in the ear. [Supported by the Rehabilitation Research and Development Service of the VA.]