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The effect of aging on horizontal plane sound localization
S M Abel1, C Giguère, A Consoli
1The Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|August 24, 2000
Summary
Aging significantly impairs sound localization, with performance declining by 12-15% starting in the third decade. Spectral information processing becomes less efficient with age, particularly for sounds on the right.
Area of Science:
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Human Aging Research
- Psychoacoustics
Background:
- Sound localization is crucial for auditory scene analysis and spatial awareness.
- Age-related changes in auditory processing are well-documented, but their specific impact on sound localization requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of aging on sound localization abilities across a wide age range.
- To determine how different acoustic cues and spatial configurations influence age-related decrements in sound localization.
Main Methods:
- Tested 112 subjects (aged 10-81 years) in seven age groups.
- Assessed sound localization using six loudspeaker arrays in the horizontal plane.
- Localized three stimuli: 0.5 kHz noise band, 4 kHz noise band, and broadband noise at 75 dB SPL.
Main Results:
- Percent-correct sound-source identification decreased by 12-15% across the studied age range.
- Performance decrements were observed as early as the third decade of life.
- Broadband noise was easiest to localize, while the 0.5 kHz noise band was most difficult; front localization was more accurate than rear localization.
Conclusions:
- Aging progressively reduces the efficiency of spectral information processing for sound localization.
- Sound localization deficits worsen with age, particularly for stimuli presented on the right side of space.
- Age-related declines in sound localization emerge early and impact the ability to utilize binaural and spectral cues.
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