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Recalibrating the perception of loudness: interaural transfer
1John B. Pierce Laboratory, New Haven, Connecticut 06519, USA. marks@yalevm.cis.yale.edu
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Loudness perception recalibration, influenced by sound frequency and intensity, was observed in both ears, suggesting central auditory system involvement. These findings indicate that auditory fatigue may involve both central and peripheral mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Auditory Perception
- Psychoacoustics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Loudness perception is influenced by sound frequency and sound pressure level (SPL).
- Previous studies used magnitude-scaling and direct-comparison methods to demonstrate loudness shifts.
- These loudness shifts, termed 'recalibration,' are associated with frequency-specific, fatiguelike processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms underlying loudness recalibration.
- To determine if recalibration processes involve central auditory pathways.
- To explore the role of central and peripheral mechanisms in auditory fatigue.
Main Methods:
- Experiment 1: Combined magnitude estimation and direct-comparison methods with recalibrating stimuli (500 and 2500 Hz).
- Experiment 2: Employed a selective-exposure procedure to assess recalibration effects.
- Measured loudness shifts in both ipsilateral and contralateral ears following auditory exposure.
Main Results:
- Auditory exposure to recalibrating stimuli induced significant loudness shifts in the ipsilateral ear.
- Substantial, though smaller, loudness shifts were also observed in the contralateral ear.
- Selective exposure yielded similar results, reinforcing the observed recalibration effects.
Conclusions:
- The processes underlying loudness recalibration involve central mediation.
- Auditory fatigue likely relies on both central and peripheral mechanisms.
- Findings suggest a complex interplay of neural pathways in auditory processing and adaptation.