Abstract
In this report, we used filtered noise bands to constrain listeners' access to interaural level differences (ILDs) and interaural time differences (ITDs) in a sound source localization task. The samples of interest were listeners with single-sided deafness (SSD) who had been fit with a cochlear implant in the deafened ear (SSD-CI). The comparison samples included listeners with normal hearing and bimodal hearing, i.e. with a cochlear implant in 1 ear and low-frequency acoustic hearing in the other ear. The results indicated that (i) sound source localization was better in the SSD-CI condition than in the SSD condition, (ii) SSD-CI patients rely on ILD cues for sound source localization, (iii) SSD-CI patients show functional localization abilities within 1-3 months after device activation and (iv) SSD-CI patients show better sound source localization than bimodal CI patients but, on average, poorer localization than normal-hearing listeners. One SSD-CI patient showed a level of localization within normal limits. We provide an account for the relative localization abilities of the groups by reference to the differences in access to ILD cues.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 183-188 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Audiology and Neurotology |
Volume | 20 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 28 2015 |
Keywords
- Cochlear implant
- Interaural level differences
- Single-sided deafness
- Sound source localization
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Sensory Systems
- Speech and Hearing