01-06-2005 | Research Article
Auditory-Nerve Rate Responses are Inconsistent with Common Hypotheses for the Neural Correlates of Loudness Recruitment
Published in: Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology | Issue 2/2005
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Loudness recruitment results from steeper AN rate functions after impairment. This hypothesis was not supported; AN rate functions were not steeper than normal following NIHL, despite steeper estimated BM responses based on the AN data.
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Loudness is based on the total AN discharge count, and recruitment results from an abnormally rapid spread of excitation after impairment. Whereas abnormal spread of excitation can be observed, steeper growth of total AN rate is not seen over the range of sound levels where recruitment is observed in human listeners.
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Loudness of a narrowband stimulus is based on AN responses in a narrow BF region, and recruitment results from compression of the AN-fiber threshold distribution after impairment. This hypothesis was not supported because there was no evidence that impaired AN threshold distributions were compressed and the growth of AN activity summed across BFs near the stimulus frequency was shallower than normal.