Frequency patterns of TTS for different exposure intensities

Abstract

Temporary threshold shift (TTS) was measured for several different test frequencies following exposure to a 2500-Hz tone. The intensity of the exposure tone was varied from 82 to 97 dB SPL; its duration was 5 or 10 min. In each post-exposure session, TTS was followed for four test frequencies using a method of adjustment. In all cases, the "center of balance" of the TTS pattern moved upward in frequency as exposure intensity increased. This outcome is consistent with the idea of a basalward migration of the traveling-wave envelope with increasing exposure intensity, but the evidence is not unequivocal.