The effect of noise on time-intensity trading in lateralization

A two-interval forced-choice lateralization task was used to determine interaural delays and interaural amplitude ratios which, when opposed in quiet, led to chance lateralization; the opposed cues formed time-intensity trades. Three types of signal were used: (1) 20-microseconds clicks; (2) 250-ms bursts of a 305 Hz tone; and (3) 250-ms bursts of 3965 Hz carrier amplitude modulated to a depth of 100% at a modulation rate of 305 Hz. The addition of various levels of broad-band white noise did not influence the relative effectiveness of the two lateralization cues with pure tone signals; however, the addition of noise to clicks and to AM waveforms led to lateralization judgements in which the cue based on interaural delay appeared to be less effective than in quiet.