A Clinically Feasible Method for Determining Frequency Resolution

Psychophysical tuning curves were generated by normally hearing and hearing-impaired subjects using two methods; a detailed laboratory method and a Bekesy method proposed as suitable for clinical use. The two methods were compared for stability, the amount of masking produced and the pattern of the masking functions. The two measures of frequency resolution were found to be equally reliable and showed the same range of repeatability as simple pure tone thresholds. The patterns of the masking functions were similar regardless of the method used. However, the absolute amounts of masking indicated with each method were significantly different, with more masking obtained when the clinical method was used.