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Effect of presentation level and age on release from masking: Behavioral measures.

The effect of presentation level and age on release from masking (RFM) was examined. Two speech-in-noise paradigms [i.e., fixed speech with varying signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and fixed noise with varying speech levels] were employed with competing continuous and interrupted noises. Young and older normal-hearing adults participated (N = 36). Word recognition was assessed at three presentation levels (i.e., 20, 30, and 40 dB sensation level) in SNRs of -10, 0, and 10 dB. Reception thresholds for sentences (RTSs) were determined at three presentation levels (i.e., 55, 65, and 75 dB sound pressure level). RTS SNRs were determined in both noises. RFM was computed by subtracting word recognition scores in continuous noise from interrupted noise and RTS SNRs in interrupted noise from continuous noise. Significant effects of presentation level, group, and SNR were seen with word recognition performance. RFM increased with increasing sensation level, was greater in younger adults, and was superior at -10 dB SNR. With RTS SNRs, significant effects of presentation level and group were found. The findings support the notion that RFM is a level dependent auditory temporal resolution phenomenon and older listeners display a deficit relative to younger listeners.