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The acoustic reflex threshold: not predictive for loudness perception in normally-hearing listeners
S O Olsen1, A N Rasmussen, L H Nielsen
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark.
Acoustic reflex threshold (ART) measurements do not predict loudness perception in individuals with normal hearing. Loudness perception grows linearly with intensity, with a steeper increase at higher levels.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Psychoacoustics
- Hearing Science
Background:
- The acoustic reflex threshold (ART) is a quick measure related to hearing function.
- Its potential to estimate loudness perception alongside hearing threshold levels (HTL) was hypothesized.
- Normal hearing data for pure-tone elicited ART and loudness categories were needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if loudness differences in normally-hearing individuals correlate with ARTs.
- To gather normative data on pure-tone ART and loudness perception.
- To investigate the relationship between ART and loudness perception.
Main Methods:
- Sixty normally-hearing adults (age 21-63) with normal hearing thresholds (<20 dB HL) participated.
- Categorical loudness scaling (CLS) and ART measurements were conducted at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz.
- Subjects with tinnitus or middle ear disease history were excluded.
Main Results:
- ART was found to be an unreliable predictor of individual loudness perception in normally-hearing subjects.
- Loudness perception for pure tones increased almost linearly with intensity, approximately 0.4 units/dB below the 'loud' category and 1 unit/dB above.
- Median ART was 85 dB HL across tested frequencies (0.5-4 kHz), with no significant differences in loudness perception across frequencies.
Conclusions:
- ART determination is not a suitable method for estimating individual loudness perception in normally-hearing individuals.
- Loudness perception shows a consistent, near-linear growth pattern with sound intensity in normal hearing.
- Further research may be needed to explore other objective measures for loudness estimation.
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