The effects of broadband elicitor duration on transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions and a psychoacoustic measure of gain reduction

The preprint operates within the established paradigm of auditory perception and cochlear mechanics, specifically focusing on the medial olivocochlear reflex (MOCR) and its role in gain reduction. It builds upon existing knowledge and methodologies within this field.

This research investigates a specific aspect of MOCR function, namely the effect of elicitor duration on gain reduction, using established psychoacoustic and otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) methods. While exploring the temporal dynamics of a well-known phenomenon, the study does not challenge existing models or propose radical new interpretations of auditory processing. The focus on refining understanding within the current paradigm aligns with Kuhn's characterization of normal science, where research aims to solve puzzles and extend the precision of existing theories. The discrepancies found between physiological and psychoacoustic measures, while intriguing, do not constitute a crisis or anomaly significant enough to necessitate a paradigm shift. Instead, they highlight areas for further investigation and refinement within the current framework. While elements of Model Drift could be considered due to the unexpected lack of correlation between physiological and psychoacoustic measures, the overall contribution falls more comfortably within the scope of Normal Science due to its focus on incremental advancement rather than fundamental change.