The use of off-frequency information in a high-frequency binaural discrimination task

The ability of listeners to discriminate between NoS pi and NoSo stimuli wa s measured as a function of signal-to-noise ratio. Three types of Gaussisn- noise maskers were employed: 1) broadband (300 Hz to 6000 Hz) 2) high-frequ ency (2900 Hz to 6000 fit) or 3) low-frequency (300 to 3100 Hz). The signal was a 3-kHz sinusoid. The overall patterning of the data supports the hypo thesis that listeners can and do utilize "off-frequency" information to enh ance binaural performance. The data also suggest that the off-frequency inf ormation within auditory filters centered above the frequency of the signal is especially salient.