Sound Localization in Adults: Correlation with Varying Pure Tone Averages

Abstract

The present study examined sound localization in terms of varying hearing threshold levels as well as age and sex. Methods: Fifteen healthy volunteers participated with varying mean pure tone averages (mean PTA). Using speaker systems evenly separated by 15˚ from 0˚ to 75˚ to the left and right sides (11 speakers), sound localization error was calculated. Correlation was computed between localization error and various methods of averaging PTA. Three averages were compared: full test frequency range averaging, 6 frequency weighted average used for diagnosing hearing loss and 6 frequency average for Enforcement Decree of Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act. Results: First of all, sound localization error positively correlated with age and hearing threshold. The positive correlation was preserved with three averaging methods, with strongest significance with the full range averaging. Conclusion: The present results imply that various averaging methods equally provide significant correlation by the function of localization error.