Avbrottsmaskning

Avbrottsmaskning, also known as interruption masking or gap masking, is a phenomenon in psychoacoustics where the perception of one sound is temporarily affected by the presence of another, louder sound. This effect occurs when a brief, intense sound, such as a click or a noise burst, is presented shortly before, during, or after a quieter target sound. The intense sound can temporarily elevate the hearing threshold, making the target sound less audible or even inaudible.

The mechanism behind avbrottsmaskning is primarily attributed to the temporary suppression of the auditory system's sensitivity. This suppression can be caused by the intense sound stimulating the hair cells in the inner ear to such an extent that they become temporarily less responsive. As a result, the subsequent target sound may not be detected, or its perception may be altered.

Avbrottsmaskning has been studied extensively in the context of understanding auditory perception and the limitations of the human ear. It has practical implications in various fields, including audio engineering, where it can be used to design more effective masking techniques for reducing unwanted noise. In music production, for instance, understanding avbrottsmaskning can help in creating mixes where certain elements are intentionally masked to achieve desired auditory effects.

Research on avbrottsmaskning has also contributed to the development of hearing aids and other assistive listening devices. By understanding how intense sounds can temporarily affect hearing sensitivity, engineers can design devices that better compensate for these effects, improving the overall listening experience for users with hearing impairments.