Temporal integration of sinusoidal increments in the absence of absolute energy cues.

Classical temporal integration (TI) is often viewed as a frequency-dependent, energy-based detection process. Detection thresholds for brief sinusoidal increments in either a fixed-level or a random-level broadband pedestal are reported that refute this traditional perspective of TI, Instead, evidence is presented that indicates (a) detection of absolute energy is not necessary for the TI effect and (b) the frequency dependence of TI is consistent with variations across frequency in peripheral auditory tuning, rather than the integration process per se. When peripheral frequency selectivity is controlled, TI can be explained by a frequency-invariant integration process over at least the frequency range from 500 to 4,000 Hz. This process is characterized by threshold improvements of 8-9 dB per decade increase in duration for increment durations between 10 and 300 ms.

Development of suprathreshold word recognition test for Russian-speaking patients.

This paper describes the development and normalization of a computerized word recognition test for speakers of the Russian language: the Russian Picture Identification Task (RPIT). The test uses a picture-pointing response, in which a patient selects, on a computer screen, a picture corresponding to a target word from a foil of four rhyming alternatives. The auditory portion of the test is recorded digitally and is recalled from a clinician's computer by clicking a mouse on the English translation of the target word. Thus, an English-speaking clinician can assess reliably word recognition abilities of Russian-speaking patients-a task that has become important in view of the recent surge of immigration from the former Soviet Union. Normative performance of normal-hearing native speakers of Russian was obtained in oral response conditions and picture-pointing conditions intended for clinical use. Psychometric functions provide norms for clinical decision making. Error patterns, individual confusions, and cognitive aspects of the experiment are discussed.