Roya Abdi, M.Sc., Audiology
62 Goodnight Hall @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Learn more about Prosem
Sound localization abilities are known to be immature at birth, and to undergo significant development during childhood. Despite a number of studies having been conducted at various ages, using various methodological approaches, there have not been systematic cross-sectional studies on localization abilities from childhood through adulthood. This is the first study to investigate those auditory spatial hearing abilities in a large cohort of typically hearing participants ranging in age from 5-24 years. The study was designed to assess the ability to discriminate between locations to the right vs. left of midline, in quiet and in the presence of a simulated echo (precedence effect). In addition, sound source identification was evaluated using a standard multi-loudspeaker array to measure sound localization error (Root-Mean-Square, RMS). This robust study will not only inform the maturation of auditory spatial hearing but will also provide a benchmark for the maturation of auditory function in individuals with hearing loss and with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
