Experimental investigation on lateral inhibition by means of stapedius reflex threshold

In 15 normal-hearing persons a number of stapedius reflex responses 10 dB above individual reflex threshold has been measured and recorded. In an experimental condition the same stimulus tone has been used and the responses recorded. During the experiment two tones have been continuously presented - one of lower and one of higher frequency with amplitudes lying 10-15 dB underneath the tone evoking the stimulus. In an experimental condition an attenuation of the reflex response resulted. The normal reflex decay, first of all in higher frequencies has been controlled during experiment. The results indicate a similarity to those found under adequate conditions in other perceptive organs, these being interpreted as lateral inhibition.