Theoretical characterization of pure tone audiometry models.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the characteristics of the two representative models, Standard Masking Model and Extended Masking Model, which is superior to and including the former, based on the preceding Review Article on the models for pure tone audiometry.

METHODS

Computer simulation of the models and numerical confirmation of the outputs.

RESULTS

1: propositions were evaluated by using Practical Judgement Method (PJM), covering a large number of combinations of parameters. 2: characteristics of 4 masking profiles (air/bone, right/left) were described. 3: bending patterns of profiles were explored. 4: relationships between the set of combinations of parameters (Set-C) and the set of masking profiles (Set-M) were elucidated. 5: exemplary evaluation of typical pure tone audiometry procedures was conducted. Method-A (the "ABC" method) was effective but Method-P (an elaborate method searching plateaux) achieved superior results both in Standard and Extended Masking Models.

CONCLUSION

The findings shown here will form the most fundamental knowledges concerning pure tone audiometry. Preliminary implication on masking methods was also presented.