The Role of the Pinnae in the Location of Sound along the Mid-Line

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the pinnae and sound localisation along the mid-line. Four hundred and eleven participants were tested in normal and distorted conditions at various positions on the mid-line. Each participant was tested for sound localisation in three positions using the same sound source, a set of car keys. The hypothesis that the pinnae play an important role in sound localisation along the mid-line is clearly supported.
Sound localization is as important as the ability to perceive sound itself. Most humans are not aware or tend to ignore the ability to locate a particular sound source in space. The understanding of how to locate a sound source is an integral part of enhancing normal hearing and the hearing impaired population.
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