A probabilistic Poisson-based model accounts for an extensive set of absolute auditory threshold measurements

Heil, Peter; Matysiak, Artur; Neubauer, Heinrich

doi:10.1016/j.heares.2017.06.011

Cited by 16 publications

(62 citation statements)

References 99 publications

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“…The grand‐mean threshold for stimulus 15 (consisting of only the three IBI pulses) was 2.41 dB SPL, not significantly different from that for stimulus 14. The grand‐mean threshold for stimulus 16 (1.85 dB SPL) was about 2.5 dB higher than that for stimulus 17 (−0.77 dB SPL), a finding consistent with the effect of stimulus duration on threshold described in numerous previous studies (for a review, see, e.g., Heil et al ., ). The grand‐mean threshold for stimulus 18 (4.13 dB SPL) was about 5 dB higher than that for stimulus 17, a finding consistent with the effect of temporal envelope described in other studies (e.g., Gerken et al ., ; Solecki & Gerken, ; Heil & Neubauer, ; Heil et al ., ).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…A full account of the original model is given by Heil et al . (). In brief, the model makes the following assumptions.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…Heil et al . () provided an empirical function which, for a 3I‐3AFC task and P correct ≅ 0.707, specifies n crit as a function of the mean number of spontaneous events, λ 1 · d .…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This model does not include a hard threshold and yet provides an accurate account of the absolute threshold for tones of different temporal envelopes and durations in the present study and in that of Heil et al . (). We then extend the model to include a hard threshold and examine whether the fit to the data of the present study improves significantly.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…Another purpose for the experiments, which focused on the effect of the temporal envelope on threshold, was to test the value of the exponent in the model. In our previous work, which focused on the effect of stimulus duration on threshold, we obtained a value of about 3 (Heil et al ., ). This value challenges the common view that neural responses in the auditory system are proportional to sound intensity (i.e., that the auditory system operates with an exponent of 2), at least at low, near‐threshold sound levels.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

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Absolute auditory threshold: testing the absolute

Heil

Matysiak

2017

Eur J of Neuroscience

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The mechanisms underlying the detection of sounds in quiet, one of the simplest tasks for auditory systems, are debated. Several models proposed to explain the threshold for sounds in quiet and its dependence on sound parameters include a minimum sound intensity ('hard threshold'), below which sound has no effect on the ear. Also, many models are based on the assumption that threshold is mediated by integration of a neural response proportional to sound intensity. Here, we test these ideas. Using an adaptive forced choice procedure, we obtained thresholds of 95 normal-hearing human ears for 18 tones (3.125 kHz carrier) in quiet, each with a different temporal amplitude envelope. Grand-mean thresholds and standard deviations were well described by a probabilistic model according to which sensory events are generated by a Poisson point process with a low rate in the absence, and higher, time-varying rates in the presence, of stimulation. The subject actively evaluates the process and bases the decision on the number of events observed. The sound-driven rate of events is proportional to the temporal amplitude envelope of the bandpass-filtered sound raised to an exponent. We find no evidence for a hard threshold: When the model is extended to include such a threshold, the fit does not improve. Furthermore, we find an exponent of 3, consistent with our previous studies and further challenging models that are based on the assumption of the integration of a neural response that, at threshold sound levels, is directly proportional to sound amplitude or intensity.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…A full account of the original model is given by Heil et al . (). In brief, the model makes the following assumptions.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…Heil et al . () provided an empirical function which, for a 3I‐3AFC task and P correct ≅ 0.707, specifies n crit as a function of the mean number of spontaneous events, λ 1 · d .…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

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