Adaptation and Loudness Decrement: A Reconsideration

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Abstract
The interpretation of data obtained with simultaneous dichotic loudness balance (SDLB) procedures as a reduction in the loudness response of the adapted ear to monaural stimulation is questioned. Since simultaneous homophonic presentation provides location cues as well as binauralloudness interaction cues, other interpretations than reduction in monaural loudness response are available. Further, the electrophysiological data cited to support the loudness‐reduction interpretation bear little similarity to the typical SDLB adaptation curve. The method of delayed balance, in which it is possible to obtain relatively uncontaminated judgments of loudness in the adapted and comparison ears, has been utilized. With such a procedure, no evidence of loudness decrement was evident at exposure intervals from 1 sec to more than 7 min, for an exposure intensity of 60 dB SL. It is concluded that SDLB judgments reflect a conglomerate of imperfectly related cues whose potency may vary for different Ss and probably does vary for the same S during the adapting exposure.

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