Abstract
A recurring problem in aging research is separating the effects of age per se from the effects of high-frequency hearing loss. One approach is to present test stimuli in the presence of a high-pass masker to control confounding differences in high-frequency audibility across age groups. However, there is evidence that such maskers may affect older and younger listeners differently. In this study, pure-tone thresholds were measured for younger and older listeners in the presence of high-pass maskers. The age groups were carefully selected based on similar unmasked thresholds at each frequency. Thresholds were measured in quiet and in seven masker conditions. Both younger and older listeners showed increased threshold shift below the masker passband as the masker level increased. The degree of threshold shift was not greater for older versus younger listeners. Results suggest that high-pass maskers may be used to reduce high-frequency sensitivity differences between younger and older listeners without introducing differential masking effects.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
