Tuning Curves at High Frequencies and their Relation to the Absolute Threshold Curve

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to examine psychoacoustical tuning curves at frequencies above 8 kHz. Such tuning curves have implications for the interpretation of the form of the absolute threshold curve at high frequencies and for models of hearing. Absolute thresholds at high frequencies for young, normal listeners usually are low and relatively constant up to some frequency--typically between 14 and 18 kHz--above which they increase rapidly (e.g., Corso, 1963; Northern et al., 1972; Kidd et al., 1985). The significance of this sharp cut-off is unclear, but at least three explanations are possible.