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The additivity of nonsimultaneous masking was studied using Gaussian-shaped tone pulses (referred to as Gaussians) as masker and target stimuli. Combinations of up to four temporally separated Gaussian maskers with an equivalent rectangular bandwidth of 600 Hz and an equivalent rectangular duration of 1.7 ms were tested. Each masker was level-adjusted to produce approximately 8 dB of masking. Excess masking (exceeding linear additivity) was generally stronger than reported in the literature for longer maskers and comparable target levels. A model incorporating a compressive input/output function, followed by a linear summation stage, underestimated excess masking when using an input/output function derived from literature data for longer maskers and comparable target levels. The data could be predicted with a more compressive input/output function. Stronger compression may be explained by assuming that the Gaussian stimuli were too short to evoke the medial olivocochlear reflex (MOCR), whereas for longer maskers tested previously the MOCR caused reduced compression. Overall, the interpretation of the data suggests strong basilar membrane compression for very short stimuli.

ABSTRACT. This review chapter aims to strengthen the link between frame theory and signal processing tasks in psychoacoustics. On the one side, the basic concepts of frame theory are presented and some proofs are provided to explain those concepts in some detail. The goal is to reveal to hearing scientists how this mathematical theory could be relevant for their research. In particular, we focus on frame theory in a filter bank approach, which is probably the most relevant view-point for audio signal processing. On the other side, basic psychoacoustic concepts are presented to stimulate mathematicians to apply their knowledge in this field.