Defining functional spatial boundaries using a spatial release from masking task

The spatial-release-from-masking (SRM) task is used to assess binaural function, but has limitations for interpreting individual spatial abilities, and it can be an inefficient test. Here, this study introduces a modified SRM task that directly measures the spatial-separation angle needed between a male target (speech with digits) and two female maskers (speech) to achieve a specific SRM. On average, younger normal-hearing listeners (n = 10) needed 6° separation between target and maskers for 6-dB SRM and 16° separation for 9-dB SRM. Using this new and more efficient test, the angle needed for a desired masking release is directly measured.