Investigating the role of extended high-frequency audibility on temporal envelope processing and spatial release from masking

Extended high-frequency (EHF) hearing loss offers a model for investigating the onset of auditory dysfunction before changes in standard audiometric thresholds occur. However, the impact on auditory perception remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the relationship between EHF hearing sensitivity and monaural and binaural measures of auditory temporal resolution and spatial release from masking in young adults (aged 20-35 years) with normal hearing thresholds in the clinical frequency range (.25 - 8 kHz) with varying degrees of hearing sensitivity in the EHFs (10 - 16 kHz). Despite considerable individual variability in performance on perceptual tasks, no significant correlations were found between EHF thresholds and measures of temporal processing or speech perception. This suggests that certain aspects of auditory processing within the standard audiometric frequency range may remain unaffected in individuals with EHF hearing loss.