Sound localization measured by eye-tracking

Publication

Sound localization measured by eye-tracking

Journal Paper/Review - Nov 18, 2015

Volck Alexander C, Laske Roman D, Litschel Ralph, Probst Rudolf, Tasman Abel-Jan

Citation

Volck A, Laske R, Litschel R, Probst R, Tasman A. Sound localization measured by eye-tracking. Int J Audiol 2015; 54:976-83.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

Int J Audiol 2015; 54

Publication Date

Nov 18, 2015

Issn Electronic

1708-8186

Pages

976-83

Brief description/objective

OBJECTIVE
To introduce a new method of measuring sound localization ability based on eye-tracking and to test this method by analysing the influence of mild induced conductive hearing loss on sound localization.

DESIGN
Sound signals were presented from different angles, and the participant's responses were measured using an eye-tracking device. For validation, a comparison of responses to visual stimuli was performed. To test the clinical application of this method, a mild conductive hearing loss was simulated, and the impact of this change on sound localization was measured.

STUDY SAMPLE
Fifteen participants.

RESULTS
The system provided repeatable measurements, and there was a good correlation of sound and visual signals. A large number of trials could be completed fairly rapidly. Following the induced conductive hearing loss, a decline of 5.5° in the accuracy of sound localization in the horizontal plane was found towards the side of the non-impaired ear for frontal presentations.

CONCLUSIONS
Quantifying sound localization by eye-tracking was found to be feasible, fast and accurate. A mild conductive hearing loss caused a slight degradation of sound localization accuracy within the 30° frontal sector, which is in good agreement with results found using methods requiring more extensive instrumentation.