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Relation between lateralization and loudness in asymmetrical hearing losses
Journal of the American Audiology Society
|May 1, 1976
Summary
This study investigated how intensity and loudness differences affect sound localization. Individuals with hearing loss or simulated loss adapted their sound perception over time, shifting localization cues.
Area of Science:
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Psychoacoustics
Background:
- Sound lateralization relies on interaural differences in intensity and loudness.
- Understanding these cues is crucial for diagnosing and treating hearing impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the role of interaural intensity differences (IIDs) and interaural loudness differences (ILDs) in median-plane sound lateralization.
- To investigate how simulated and actual hearing loss affects the use of these cues.
Main Methods:
- Participants with simulated unilateral hearing loss (earplug) or asymmetrical hearing loss adjusted tone burst intensities.
- Sound image centering in the median plane was the primary behavioral measure.
- Adaptation to simulated loss was monitored over several days.
Main Results:
- Individuals with long-term hearing loss used a strategy between equal intensity and equal loudness for localization.
- Initially, those with simulated loss relied on equal loudness.
- After adaptation, simulated loss participants adopted the strategy of those with long-term hearing loss.
Conclusions:
- Auditory system demonstrates plasticity in utilizing IIDs and ILDs for sound localization.
- Adaptation to hearing loss can alter the weighting of intensity and loudness cues.
- Findings have implications for auditory rehabilitation and understanding binaural hearing.