Binaural interaction in high-frequency neurons in inferior colliculus of the cat: effects of variations in sound pressure level on sensitivity to interaural intensity differences

1990 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 570-591 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. R. Irvine ◽  
G. Gago
Keyword(s):  
Inferior Colliculus ◽  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Central Nucleus ◽  
Sensitivity Functions ◽  
Rate Intensity ◽  
Ipsilateral Stimulation ◽  
Intensity Functions

1. Development of models of the manner in which interaural intensity differences (IIDs), the major binaural cue for the azimuthal location of high-frequency sounds, are coded by populations of neurons requires knowledge of the extent to which the IID sensitivity of individual neurons is invariant with changes in sound pressure level (SPL) and other stimulus parameters. To examine this tissue, recordings were obtained from a large sample (n = 458) of neurons with characteristic frequency (CF) greater than 3 kHz in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICC) of anesthetized cats. The sensitivity to IIDs and the effects of changes in SPL on this sensitivity were examined in neurons receiving excitatory contralateral input and inhibitory or mixed inhibitory/facilitatory ipsilateral input (EI neurons). 2. The form of an EI neuron's IID sensitivity and the effects of changes in SPL on that sensitivity were found to be determined in part by the characteristics of the neuron's rate-intensity function for monaural contralateral stimulation, and detailed rate-intensity functions were therefore obtained for 91 neurons. Many ICC neurons have nonmonotonic rate-intensity functions, the proportion so classified depending on the criterion of nonmonotonicity employed. 3. IID sensitivity functions for CF tonal stimuli were obtained at one or more intensities for 90 neurons, using a method of generating IIDs that kept the average binaural intensity (ABI) of the stimuli at the two ears constant. In the standard ABI range in which a function was obtained for each unit, the majority of EI neurons (72%) had monotonic (sigmoidal) or near-monotonic IID sensitivity functions. The remainder had nonmonotonic (peaked) IID sensitivity functions, which were attributable either to mixed inhibitory and facilitatory ipsilateral influences or to the fact that the effects of ipsilateral stimulation were superimposed on nonmonotonic effects of changes in intensity at the excitatory ear. 4. IID sensitivity was examined at two or more ABIs (3-5 in most cases) for 40 neurons classified as having monotonic or near-monotonic functions in the standard ABI range and for 7 neurons classified as nonmonotonic. For a small proportion of neurons with monotonic IID sensitivity functions, the form of the function was relatively invariant with changes in ABI. In those monotonic neurons in which the form of the IID sensitivity function varied with changes in ABI, the most common type of variation was that the position of the sloping portion of the function shifted systematically in the direction of larger IIDs favoring the ipsilateral ear as ABI increased.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Consistency of Electroacoustic Characteristics Across Components of FM Systems

1991 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 628-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda M. Thibodeau ◽  
Kathryn A. Saucedo
Keyword(s):  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Input Noise ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Equivalent Input Noise

In the absence of national or international electroacoustic standards for the evaluation of Frequency Modulated (FM) amplification systems, it becomes important to know the variability one may expect across similar models. Evaluation of thirty FM systems of the same model obtained from three different educational sites was performed to determine the variability that may occur as a result of the receiver, lapel microphone, or neckloop. There was a range as great as 20 dB in high frequency average saturation sound pressure level and equivalent input noise across receivers, lapel microphones, and neckloops. These results highlight the need for regular electroacoustic monitoring of not only the FM transmitter and receiver, but also the individual components, such as the lapel microphone and the neckloop.

Binaural processing of sound pressure level in cat primary auditory cortex: evidence for a representation based on absolute levels rather than interaural level differences

1993 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
pp. 449-461 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. N. Semple ◽  
L. M. Kitzes
Keyword(s):  
Auditory Cortex ◽  
Inferior Colliculus ◽  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Primary Auditory Cortex ◽  
Response Strength ◽  
Simple Relation ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Interaural Level Difference ◽  
Single Neurons

1. Single-neuron responses were recorded in high-frequency regions of primary auditory cortex (AI) of anesthetized cats. Best-frequency tone pips were presented to each ear independently via sealed stimulus delivery systems, and the sound pressure level (SPL) at each ear was independently manipulated. Each neuron was studied with many dichotic combinations of SPL, chosen to incorporate a broad range of the two synthetic interaural level variables, interaural level difference (ILD) and average binaural level (ABL). This paper illustrates the common forms of binaural SPL selectivity observed in a sample of 204 single neurons located in AI. 2. Most neurons (> 90%) were jointly influenced by ILD and ABL. A small proportion of bilaterally excitable (EE) neurons responded to ABL rather independently of ILD. Only one neuron was determined to respond to ILD independently of ABL. 3. Nonmonotonic selectivity for one or both of the binaural level cues was evident in > 60% of our sample. Within the most effective range of ILD values, response strength was usually related nonmonotonically to related both to ILD and ABL. We have described units exhibiting this kind of dual nonmonotonic selectivity for the two binaural variables as being influenced by a Two-Way Intensity Network (TWIN). 4. Each of the response forms identified in an earlier study of the gerbil inferior colliculus were found in this study of cat auditory cortex. However the classes were evident in markedly different proportions. In particular, TWIN responses alone accounted for 36.2% of the sample, nearly four times the proportion found in the inferior colliculus in a previous study. 5. Units with similar binaural responses do not necessarily have similar monaural properties. For example, the typically nonmonotonic relation between response strength and ABL was often observed in the absence of a monaurally demonstrable nonmonotonicity. There is no simple relation between a neuron's classification according to the sign of monaural influence and its response to ILD and ABL. In particular, EE neurons exhibited remarkably diverse binaural properties. 6. Since responses of nearly all AI neurons are influenced jointly by ABL and ILD, we contend that single neurons in primary auditory cortex are not specifically tuned to either cue. ILD and ABL are mathematical expressions relating the SPLs at the two ears to each other (as the difference and average, respectively) and any such combination is expressed most simply as a particular combination of SPL at each ear.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The Study on Influence of High Frequency Noise on Sound Quality for Generator

2011 ◽  
Vol 105-107 ◽  
pp. 74-79
Author(s):  
Zha Gen Ma ◽  
Xue Ying Xu ◽  
Guo Hua Han
Keyword(s):  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Evaluation Method ◽  
Subjective Evaluation ◽  
Internal Noise ◽  
Sound Quality ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Frequency Noise ◽  
High Frequency Noise

As cars become quieter the sound quality of components becomes more critical in the customer perception of car quality. This requires a need of new evaluation method for the specification of component sounds. Considering that high frequency noise plays an important roll for internal noise, the noise signals in the range from 7000Hz to 8000Hz are specially emphasized. Then the acoustic evaluation parameters, such as Sound Pressure Level, Sharpness and Steadiness have been evaluated. Judged from experiences and measuring results, an abnormal noise comes from Generator, through the exchange of Generator, Sound Pressure Level and sharpness were greatly improved. At the same time, subjective evaluation also indicated that there was no complaint any more in passenger compartment. Low Sound Pressure Level, sharpness can lead to perceived high product quality.

Test and Analysis of Noise Reduction Effect for Different Heights and Distances of Sound Barrier

2011 ◽  
Vol 243-249 ◽  
pp. 4447-4450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Liu ◽  
Bing Yang ◽  
Xiao Pai Zhang ◽  
Zhi Fang Zhong ◽  
Hua Xin Dong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Noise Reduction ◽  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
High Frequency Range ◽  
Frequency Range ◽  
Sound Barrier ◽  
Test Points ◽  
Reduction Effect

Based on the comparative analysis on the low-noise road surface, noise reduction green belts, noise barriers and other noise reduction methods, the sound barrier is put forward as an important method for reducing the city road traffic noise. The noise reduction effects for different heights and different distances of the sound barrier are tested and analyzed through noise and vibration test and analysis system, the following conclusions can be drawn. At the same heights from the ground, the father the test points away from the noise barrier, the higher the sound pressure level will be; At the same distances from the sound barrier, the nearer the test points from the ground, the smaller the sound pressure level will be; All of the sound pressure level curves have basically the same variation trend and the main noise frequency band is from 160 to 1600Hz; In the high frequency range which is greater than 1600Hz, the sound pressure level decrease significantly, indicating that the sound barrier has better noise reduction effect for high frequency range. The results provide the basis for the design of the sound barriers.

Prediction and analysis of sound field in long enclosures with a modal-based method

2021 ◽  
Vol 69 (6) ◽  
pp. 518-529
Author(s):  
Changyong Jiang ◽  
Xiang Liu ◽  
Stephany Y. Xu ◽  
Shangyu Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Porous Material ◽  
Point Source ◽  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Prediction Method ◽  
Sound Field ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Level Reduction

In this paper, the efficacy of porous ceiling treatment to reduce noise levels inside a typical tunnel is examined with a validated modal-based prediction method. It is found that, for a point source, the effect of increasing porous ceiling thickness on sound pressure level (SPL) attenuation along the tunnel is limited. A porous ceiling with thickness of 0.3 m is comparable with an infinite porous ceiling in middle and high frequency ranges. For a line source, the effect of ceiling thickness on SPL reduc- tion in this typical tunnel is limited. Sound pressure level reduction of 4 dBA is real- ized with 0.3 m porous ceiling, which is the same as infinite ceiling and only 1 dBA smaller than the theoretically optimized value. These results suggest that, in the event only ceiling treatment is considered, 0.3 m porous material is sufficient for noise re- duction in this typical tunnel.

Single-unit responses in the inferior colliculus: different consequences of contralateral and ipsilateral auditory stimulation

1985 ◽  
Vol 53 (6) ◽  
pp. 1467-1482 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. N. Semple ◽  
L. M. Kitzes
Keyword(s):  
Inferior Colliculus ◽  
Stimulus Intensity ◽  
Dynamic Range ◽  
Frequency Tuning ◽  
Intensity Function ◽  
Contralateral Stimulation ◽  
Rate Intensity ◽  
Ipsilateral Stimulation ◽  
Intensity Functions ◽  
Stimulation Of

Monaural excitatory responses of 181 single units in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus of 15 anesthetized gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) were examined quantitatively. Pure-tone stimuli were presented monaurally through sealed, calibrated sound-delivery systems. Most units were excited only by contralateral stimulation (EO); 23% were bilaterally excitable (EE). The threshold frequency tuning curves for contralateral stimulation of EE units were significantly broader than those produced by ipsilateral stimulation of EE units and those produced by contralateral stimulation of EO units. The frequency at which threshold was lowest (best frequency), or BF) was very similar for ipsilateral and contralateral stimulation of individual EE units; however, ipsilateral BFs were slightly but significantly lower than contralateral BFs. For EE units, ipsilateral BF thresholds (mean: 29.2 dB SPL) were significantly higher than contralateral BF thresholds (mean: 14.9 dB SPL). Monotonic and nonmonotonic relationships between discharge rate and stimulus intensity at BF were observed in responses evoked both by contralateral and ipsilateral stimulation. Interestingly, for individual EE units it was not uncommon for the rate/intensity function for one monaural condition to be monotonic although the relationship for stimulation of the other ear was markedly nonmonotonic. There was no qualitative difference between rate/intensity functions evoked by contralateral stimulation in EO and EE units. Ipsilateral discharge rates were characteristically much lower than contralateral rates for a given stimulus intensity. For 50 BF tones of 100 ms duration, the median peak numbers of discharges for contralateral stimulation of EO and EE units were 361 and 339, respectively; the median for ipsilateral stimulation of EE units was 102. The dynamic range of each rate/intensity function was calculated by measuring the intensity range associated with an increase in spike count from 10 to 90% of the peak rate. No differences were detected between the distributions of dynamic range for contralateral stimulation in EO or EE units, or between contralateral and ipsilateral dynamic ranges within individual EE units. For all response types the distributions of dynamic range were approximately normal, with means near 20 dB. The minimum mean latency to the first spike at BF was generally longer for ipsilateral than for contralateral responses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Audiological and noise exposure findings among members of a brazilian folklore music group

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Carina Moreno Dias Carneiro Muniz ◽  
Sergio Fernando Saraiva da Silva ◽  
Rachel Costa Façanha ◽  
Daniela Bassi-Dibai ◽  
Fabricio Brito Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Loud Noise ◽  
Two Stages

BACKGROUND: Musicians and dancers can be considered an at-risk population for developing noise-induced hearing loss. OBJECTIVES: To determine the audiological profile of members of a folklore-related music group and quantify noise exposure at their rehearsal venue. METHODS: This was a quantitative and descriptive study. The musicians and dancers were evaluated in two stages: an interview about their working life, followed by high frequency tonal audiometry. The sound pressure level in the group’s rehearsal venue was measured using a BEK 2270 Noise Analyzer. RESULTS: A total of 7.2% of the subjects had noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and 39% of the audiometric tests were notch type. During the interview 31.7% of the subjects mentioned discomfort from loud noise, although none of them used ear protection. The environmental assessment showed inadequate humidity and oscillating temperature. Twenty sound pressure level measurements were performed for Leq (equivalent sound pressure levels) and the results ranged from 88 dB (A) to 99 dB (A) with a mean of 97.05. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to high levels of sound pressure has led to NIHL in some members of the group. Some of those with normal hearing also presented a notch configuration characteristic of NIHL. Tinnitus, indicating that a change in hearing has occurred, was the most frequent auditory symptom.

Response Properties of Neurons in the Inferior Colliculus of the Monaurally Deafened Ferret to Acoustic Stimulation of the Intact Ear

1997 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. 767-779 ◽  
Author(s):  
David McAlpine ◽  
Russell L. Martin ◽  
Jennifer E. Mossop ◽  
David R. Moore
Keyword(s):  
Inferior Colliculus ◽  
Single Unit ◽  
Acoustic Stimulation ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Central Nucleus ◽  
Spontaneous Discharge ◽  
Response Properties ◽  
Ipsilateral Stimulation ◽  
Intensity Functions ◽  
Stimulation Of

McAlpine, David, Russell L. Martin, Jennifer E. Mossop, and David R. Moore. Response properties of neurons in the inferior colliculus of the monaurally deafened ferret to acoustic stimulation of the intact ear. J. Neurophysiol. 78: 767–779, 1997. Response properties of neurons in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICC) were investigated after unilateral cochlear removal at various ages during infancy. Nineteen ferrets had the right cochlea surgically ablated, either in adulthood or on postnatal day (P) 5, 25, or 40, 3–18 mo before recording. Adult ablations were made on the same day as (“acute,” n = 3), or 2–3 mo before (“chronic,” n = 3), recording. Two ferrets were left binaurally intact. Single-unit ( n = 702) and multiunit ( n = 1,819) recordings were made in the ICC of barbiturate-anesthetized ferrets ipsilateral (all ages) or contralateral (P5 and acute adult only) to the intact ear. In binaurally intact animals, tonal stimulation of the contralateral ear evoked excitatory activity at the majority (94%) of recording loci, whereas stimulation of the ipsilateral ear evoked activity at only 33% of recording loci. In acutely ablated animals, the majority of contralateral (90%) and ipsilateral (70%) loci were excited by tonal stimulation of the intact ear. In chronically ablated animals, 80–90% of loci were excited by ipsilateral stimulation. Single-unit thresholds were generally higher for low-best frequency (BF) than for high-BF units, and higher in the ipsilateral than in the contralateral ICC. Analysis of covariance showed highly significant differences between all of the ipsilateral and contralateral groups, but no effects of age at ablation or survival time following ablation, other than that the group ablated at P25 had higher mean ipsilateral thresholds than the groups ablated at P5 or, acutely, in adulthood. Cochlear ablation at P5, 25, or 40 resulted in a significant increase in dynamic ranges of ipsilateral ICC unit rate-intensity functions relative to acutely ablated animals. Dynamic ranges of units in the contralateral ICC of P5-ablated ferrets were also significantly increased compared with those of acutely ablated animals. Cochlear ablation at P5, 25, or 40 resulted in a significant increase in single-unit spontaneous discharge rates in the ICC ipsilateral but not contralateral (P5 only) to the intact ear. These data show that unilateral cochlear removal in adult ferrets leads to a rapid and dramatic increase in the proportion of neurons in the ICC ipsilateral to the intact ear that is excited by acoustic stimulation of that ear. In addition, the data confirm that, in ferrets, cochlear removal in infancy leads to a further increase in responsiveness of individual neurons in the ipsilateral ICC. Finally, the data show that responses in the ICC contralateral to the intact ear are largely but not completely unchanged by unilateral cochlear removal.

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