Threshold and suprathreshold temporal integration function in normal and cochlear-impaired subjects.

Auditory and acoustic reflex threshold temporal integration slopes were obtained for 20 normally hearing and 20 cochlear-impaired subjects. For both groups, the results at auditory threshold are similar to findings reported by other investigators. For the normally hearing subjects, suprathreshold slopes approximated those obtained at auditory threshold. The sensorineural group, however, demonstrated steeper slopes at suprathreshold levels than at auditory threshold. Therefore, at suprathreshold levels there were no significant differences between the slopes of the two groups. The implications of these findings are discussed.