Identification variability as a measure of loudness: An application to gender differences.

Abstract

It is well known that discrimination response variability increases with stimulus intensity, closely related to Weber's Law. It is also an axiom that sensation magnitude increases with stimulus intensity. Following earlier researchers such as Thurstone, Garner, and Durlach and Braida, we explored a new method of exploiting these relationships to estimate the power function exponent relating sound pressure level to loudness, using the accuracy with which listeners could identify the intensity of pure tones. The log standard deviation of the normally distributed identification errors increases linearly with stimulus range in decibels, and the slope, a, of the regression is proportional to the loudness exponent, n. Interestingly, in a demonstration experiment, the loudness exponent estimated in this way is greater for females than for males.

Loudness adaptation measured by the simultaneous dichotic loudness balance technique differs between genders

“…Gender differences in adaptation will result in gender differences in n, with female n's exceeding those of males (Table 2), in accordance with previous research (Sagi et al, 2007). Eq.…”

“…However, males incur greater permanent noise-induced hearing loss (Royster et al, 1980). Using a toneidentification paradigm, Sagi et al (2007) report gender differences in the psychophysical parameter, n, found in Stevens' power law, L = ku n , relating the loudness of a tone, L, to the physical intensity of the tone, u. Male exponents are found to be about 25% smaller than those of females, indicating differences in loudness perception.…”

“…Norwich (1993, p. 189) studied the relation between loudness adaptation, measured using the SDLB technique, and the loudness exponent, n. He reports a linear relationship between dB of adaptation and on-time of a continuous adapting stimulus, in logarithmic units, from which the value of the loudness exponent can be obtained. Also, as indicated above, Sagi et al (2007) report that n can be evaluated to within a multiplicative constant by using a sound-level identification paradigm (i.e., without using traditional subjective assessment such as magnitude estimation). Participants were required to identify the dB-value of unknown tones.…”

A Mathematical Exploration of the Mystery of Loudness Adaptation

“…The exponent values for the lowest two frequencies, 125 Hz and 250 Hz, are lower than those obtained by analysis of equal loudness contours ("Fletcher-Munson" curves). The values for n at these frequencies are consistent with those reported by Sagi et al (2007).…”

Sex differences in auditory subcortical function

“…Females also demonstrate more acute sound sensitivity than males (Rogers et al, 2003, Sagi et al, 2007). These differences are reduced during menopause (Hultcrantz et al, 2006, Murphy and Gates, 1997, Wharton and Church, 1990), in females taking oral contraception (McFadden, 2000), and in females who have a male twin (McFadden, 1993a, McFadden et al, 1996), which suggests a role of hormones, including estrogen, in improving auditory function in females (McFadden, Martin, 2009).…”