Alternate and Simultaneous Binaural Balancing of Pure Tones

Abstract

Interaural intensity relations producing equal loudness when pure tones were presented alternately, and median plane localization when they were presented simultaneously, were studied in normals, mon-aurally masked normals, and patients with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, both with and without loudness recruitment. The 2 types of judgment do not yield equivalent results. With important qualifications, median plane localization requires more nearly equivalent SPLs at the 2 ears than does equal loudness. Loudness recruitment must always be measured by alternate stimulation of the 2 ears.