Detection of Multiple Component Signals in Noise

The detectability of a complex signal, one generated by adding two sinusoids, and partially masked by white noise, is determined. Several frequencies and three durations are used for the signal. The experimental determinations are compared with three mathematical models. These models are all interpretable as an extension of the critical band concept. The data are best explained by a model in which it is assumed that two or more critical bands may be linearly combined. This implies that the auditory mechanism may change the appropriate parameters of the analysis process in order to match the signal to be detected.