Abstract
GOLDSTEIN1 has shown that when two tones of frequency f1 and f2 (f2>f1) are heard simultaneously, the most prominent distortion product is the combination tone of frequency 2f1−f2. It is observed most strongly when the ratiof2/f1=1.1, when it is typically only 15 dB below the level of the primary tones. The relative amplitude can be measured by cancellation and is substantially independent of input level, that is, it can be considered as an essential non-linearity, but it decreases rapidly as the ratio f2/f1 is increased. These features seem to rule out Helmholtz's2 explanation based on simple limiting distortion in the middle ear.
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WILSON, J., JOHNSTONE, J. Basilar Membrane Correlates of the Combination Tone 2f1−f2. Nature 241, 206–207 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1038/241206a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/241206a0
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