Behavioral Measurements of Absolute and Frequency-Difference Thresholds in Guinea Pig

Abstract

Absolute and frequency-difference thresholds were determined by the conditioned-suppression technique. The results show that the average frequency range of audibility at +50 dB sound-pressure level extends from 86 Hz to 46.5 kHz, with a best frequency near 8 kHz. Individual differences in sensitivity are related to body weight and, probably, age. The average frequency-difference limen is 3.5% from 125 Hz to 42 kHz. Compared to other mammals, the auditory capacities of guinea pig are within one standard deviation of the mammalian mean on each of six dimensions: high-frequency and low-frequency cutoff, lowest intensity, best frequency, area of the audible field, and frequency discrimination.