Binaural intensity discrimination data compared with left‐right‐averaged and with superior‐ear data

Abstract

Binaural intensity difference thresholds were compared with monaural thresholds based upon left‐ and right‐ear means, and with the thresholds of the ear showing superior intensity difference sensitivity for the test frequency. Consistent with other recent finding [W. Jesteadt and C. C. Wier, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 61, 1599–1603 (1977)] the ΔI/I ratios for binaural listening were lower than the averaged monaural ratios for frequencies 250, 1000, and 3000 Hz. The superior‐ear data, however, matched the binaural data well, and appeared to separate from left‐right‐averaged ΔI/I ratios. The suggestion is offered that the contribution of the less sensitive ear, in amplitude discrimination, may be negligible, at least for some varieties of stimuli.