Monotic and dichotic musical-interval identification in listeners with cochlear-based hearing loss

Abstract

This study examined musical-interval identification in musically experienced listeners with cochlear-based hearing loss. Sounds had missing fundamentals ranging from 100–500 Hz. These missing fundamentals were conveyed by two successive harmonics presented either to the same ear or to separate ears. Performance was measured as a function of the average rank of the lowest harmonic for both monotic and dichotic conditions at both 20 dB sensation level (SL) and 30 dB SL. In both monotic and dichotic conditions, listeners with cochlear-based hearing loss demonstrated excellent musical-interval identification at low fundamental frequencies and low average ranks, but abnormally poor recognition at higher fundamental frequencies and higher average ranks. The results will be related to auditory deficits which might affect complex-tone pitch perception in listeners with cochlear-based hearing loss, and will be discussed in the context of modern pitch theories. [Work supported by Deafness Research Foundation.]