Auditory localization with acoustical transposition of the ears.

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Abstract
A pseudophone, consisting of artificial pinnae and sound-proof tubes, gave the wearer a right-left reversal of audition. This instrument was worn by Young for more than 80 hours about the streets of Berlin and in the laboratory of the Psychological Institute. Two main problems were investigated: (1) what are the characteristics of sound localization with the ears transposed; and (2) does habituation bring back to normal initial disturbances in auditory localization? Nine observers in addition to the writer wore the apparatus in the laboratory. When localizations were made with closed eyes and without knowledge of the position of the source there was a consistent and unmistakable right-left reversal of the localizations. This persisted for the writer even after wearing the pseudophone 85 hours. The physical or diotic difference theories do not go far enough in seeking to account for physiological and psychological processes of localization. "Sound localization is not merely a function of the ear. It is an accomplishment of the organism as a whole involving muscle systems common to both eye and ear." Again, "Localization depends upon muscle tonus . . ‥ A neuromuscular set or adjustment toward the source or the total situation . . . describable as a pattern of muscular tonus." Habituation up to 58 hours did not modify auditory localizations. There was no indication that normal auditory localization could be developed by practice from the visual-auditory type; yet the reverse was developed "until indistinguishable from normal" localization. This paper contains many excerpts from protocols on features of the problem. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)

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