Sound localization measured by eye-tracking

Abstract

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.

Key Words:

• Spatial hearing
• eye tracker
• sound localization
• unilateral conductive hearing loss

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Dr. Frances Harris for proofreading and editing the final manuscript. Authors Alexander C. Volck and Roman D. Laske contributed equally to this work.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest.