The Ability of Counting the Interrupted Tones

• Published in: AUDIOLOGY JAPAN Vol. 16; no. 6; pp. 510 - 520
• Main Author: Sato, Tsunemasa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan Audiological Society 1973
• ISSN: 0303-8106; 1883-7301
• DOI: 10.4295/audiology.16.510

This investigation was to determine the ability of counting a train of the interrupted tones. The method of examination was as follow: The pure tone of 1, 000Hz was interrupted by using the electric switch and composed a train of variable segments which were consisted of groups of 2 to 32 tones. The rates of interruption were from 2 to 8 frequencies per second. These trains of test sounds were recorded on a tape by programming and were presented to the subjects through a single earphone in a sound-proof room. The subjects were two groups of 140 normal young adults and of 10 healthy older individuals. 1) In young adults, the relationship between the rate of interruption and the frequency of error of counting showed a linear function between 5 and 8 frequencies per second, and the higher the rate of interruption was, the greater the standard deviation. 2) The results of test-retest showed that the subjects responded more correctly to the second procedure. 3) The relationship between the aural reaction time and the errors of counting showed a significant correlation. 4) To compare the percentage of errors between the young and aged adults, there was no difference in the range of low frequencies, however, the steepness of the curve representing error in the aged was more sharp than in the young in the range over 4 frequencies per second. The clinical significance of this test was discussed.