Attention, Eye Closure and the Acoustic Reflex

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Abstract
The effects of differing states of attention on the acoustic reflex response were investigated in humans. Tasks directing attention towards and away from the acoustic stimuli were compared with a neutral task. A significant reduction in reflex response magnitude was associated with the task directing attention away from the stimulus. The stimulus-directing task did not significantly affect the acoustic reflex response. The effect of eye closure on the acoustic reflex response was investigated. An increase in reflex response magnitude with eye closure occurred but not with darkness alone. The increase apparently was associated with the muscular effort involved in eye closure.