Auditory Hazard Analysis

Patterson and Ahroon’s analysis of the AHAAH model [(2005) USAARL Rept. No. 2005-01] was evaluated. In their analysis they repeatedly failed to apply the model in a manner consistent with its premises and the theory supporting it. Thus the model was not truly tested on its own grounds; but was faulted because it did not conform to their expectations of how the ear would have responded had it behaved according to traditional expectations and been tested under many conditions not actually achieved in the Albuquerque tests (some 65% of the results they used were based on assumed outcomes). The model’s results were shown to be accurate, even when counter-intuitive. The accuracy, theoretical sophistication, and analytical power of the model are unmatched by any analytical method currently available. The ancillary algorithm that created a minimum-phase digital filter designed to mimic HPD attenuation is not suited for a protector of the type used in the Albuquerque studies; therefore we agree with Patterson and Ahroon that the procedure, if used, would calculate excessively high hazards.