Abstract

Tuning curves for simultaneous masking were measured electrophysiologically, in single fibres of the guinea pig auditory nerve. The masking paradigm used was an analogy of that used in the determination of psychophysical tuning curves in man. The resulting tuning curves ran nearly parallel to the corresponding neural frequency threshold curve, over all except the high-frequency portion of the tuning curve. There, the masking functions had a shallower slope than the excitatory frequency threshold curve. The frequency at which the slope became shallower had a close and consistent dependence on fibre characteristic frequency, reaching a value of 1.2 times fibre characteristic frequency in high-frequency fibres. Analysis of firing rates during the threshold determination gave information about the mechanism of the masking, and the results were supported by theoretical analysis. The results give information useful for the interpretation of psychophysical tuning curves, determined by simultaneous masking, in man.

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 call

Disclaimer: 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.