Which term describes excessive masking that elevates test-ear thresholds?

The term that describes excessive masking that elevates test-ear thresholds is referred to as over masking. In audiological testing, masking is used to isolate the test ear by introducing noise to the non-test ear. However, if the level of masking noise used is too high, it can not only interfere with the perception of sounds in the non-test ear but also inadvertently affect the test ear, leading to an increase in the thresholds. This phenomenon is crucial to recognize because it can result in inaccurate hearing test results, making it essential for audiologists to calculate appropriate masking levels based on the specific clinical scenario.

In contrast, comments outside the threshold do not pertain directly to any masking concept; they refer to situations where responses are influenced by factors not related to auditory thresholds. Binaural masking involves the use of noise in both ears but focuses on how sound is processed by the brain rather than solely affecting one ear's thresholds. The occlusion effect is a phenomenon related to sound perception caused by obstruction of the ear canal, primarily affecting bone conduction, rather than masking levels. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the importance of managing masking levels appropriately in hearing assessments.