The gaps-in-noise test: gap detection thresholds in normal-hearing young adults

Int J Audiol. 2008 May;47(5):238-45. doi: 10.1080/14992020801908244.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish parameters for the gaps-in-noise test in normal-hearing young adults. One hundred subjects (50 males and 50 females) received an audiological evaluation to rule out hearing loss and auditory processing disorder. The gaps-in-noise test was then conducted on all subjects. The mean gap detection threshold was 4.19 ms. A psychometric function by gap duration was constructed, revealing that the percentage of correct responses was less than or equal to 5% for a gap duration of 2 ms, 10-30% for a gap duration of 3 ms, 60-70% for a gap duration of 4 ms, and over 96% for gap durations of 5 ms or longer. The results suggest that the data obtained can be applied as reference values for future testing. In the subjects evaluated, the gaps-in-noise test proved to be consistent with low variability.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Acoustic Stimulation
  • Adult
  • Auditory Perception*
  • Auditory Threshold
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality
  • Hearing Tests / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Psychoacoustics*
  • Reference Values
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sex Factors
  • Speech Perception*
  • Time Perception*