Sound localization is a skill we use to understand the origin of a sound. For example, if you’re golfing at the Capital Canyon Club and you hear someone yell “FORE,” you use sound localization to identify the direction the ball is coming from, hopefully just in time to duck.
A few things can affect accurate sound localization: noise level, echoes and hearing loss. These things can mask or alter localization cues, leading to confusion about where a sound originates.
Let’s take a closer look at how hearing loss impacts sound localization and what you can do to improve it.
How Does Hearing Loss Impact Sound Localization?
A review in the American Journal of Audiology found that there are three mechanisms used in sound localization:
- Interaural time difference (ITD). ITD is the difference in time it takes for a sound to reach each ear. Sounds from the left arrive at the left ear earlier than the right.
- Interaural level difference (ILD). ILD is the difference in loudness between the ears. A sound on your right will be louder in the right ear than the left.
- Spectral cues. Spectral cues help us determine if a sound is coming from above, below, in front or behind.
When someone has hearing loss, these important sound localization cues are weakened or distorted. If one ear hears better than the other, or certain frequencies are hard to hear, the brain can’t accurately compare sounds between the ears, making it hard to tell where sounds are coming from.
Can Hearing Aids Help?
In the past, hearing aids did a great job of collecting and amplifying speech, but they struggled to help with sound localization. Newer hearing aids have advanced AI-driven processing power that helps aid sound localization. While they may not be able to restore the skill entirely, they’re a step in the right direction.
Wearing two hearing aids that work in unison is one effective way to achieve better sound localization. Because both ears hear the necessary information, your brain can better understand direction. Many modern hearing aids offer these features. One of our hearing aid specialists can help you pick the perfect devices to match your needs.
Contact Prescott Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy today to discuss your hearing loss treatment options.