Binaural masking level differences with a variety of waveforms.
Binaural masking level differences (BMLDs) were measured in a standard two-interval forced-choice detection task. The signals were (a) 250-ms bursts of pure tones, (b) amplitude-modulated waveforms with either high- or low-frequency carriers, and (c) 20-microseconds clicks. The pure tones and clicks were presented either eith zero phase difference between the ears or with an 180 degrees phase difference between the ears: the AM tones were presented in several different interaural phase conditions, only some of which lead to changes in the apparent location of the signal source. The noise against which all the signals were detected was white, broad-band, and identical at the ears. BMLDs were invariably small with high-frequency signals and with clicks. Although the magnitude of the BMLD obtained with low-frequency signals appeared to be related to the Observers' ability to lateralize the signal, there is a simpler explanation based on the assumption that detection of low-frequency AM signals is determined by independent detection of its components.
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D006801:Humans; D010470:Perceptual Masking; D013017:Sound Localization