The relationship between auditory sensitivity and ear asymmetry on a dichotic listening task

Using an adaptive forced-choice procedure, the average absolute sensitivity of the right ears of a group of right-handed males was found to be slightly greater than that of their left ears. There was no ear difference in performance on a monaural syllable-identification task using easily detectable stimuli, however. The magnitude of the ear difference in absolute sensitivity was significantly correlated with performance on a dichotic-listening task. In a second experiment, the adaptive forced-choice procedure was used to assess differences in absolute sensitivity in a group of left-handed males. The right ears of those left-handers showing a right-ear advantage on the dichotic-listening task were slightly more sensitive than their left ears. The left ears of those left-handers showing a dichotic left-ear advantage were slightly, but not significantly, more sensitive than their right ears. The correlation of the ear differences in absolute sensitivity with performance on the dichotic-listening task for the left-handers was not significantly different from zero. Results of both experiments are discussed in terms of their implications for the nature of hemispheric asymmetry of function, and the interpretation of dichotic and monaural asymmetries.

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