What is Lateralization?

Lateralization is the perception by an individual that a sound is being heard on one side due to a timing and intensity difference, when in fact the sound was presented bilaterally. This is a normal phenomenon that occurs in everyone, but it can be more pronounced in people with hearing loss.

What is an example of lateralization?

An example of lateralization would be if you were listening to a sound through headphones and you perceived that the sound was coming from the left ear, even though the sound was actually being presented to both ears. This could happen if there was a slight delay in the sound reaching the right ear, or if the sound was slightly louder in the left ear.

What does lateralization to the affected ear mean?

Lateralization to the affected ear means that the sound is perceived to be coming from the ear that has hearing loss. This can happen if the hearing loss is severe enough that the sound is not as loud in the good ear.

What is lateralization to the good ear?

Lateralization to the good ear means that the sound is perceived to be coming from the ear that has normal hearing. This can happen if the hearing loss is mild or moderate, and the sound is still loud enough in the good ear.

What is the hearing test for lateralization?

The hearing test for lateralization is called a binaural hearing test. In this test, the audiologist presents a sound to both ears at the same time, but with a slight delay or difference in intensity. The listener is then asked to indicate which ear they think the sound is coming from.

The binaural hearing test can be used to assess the hearing in both ears, and to identify any problems with lateralization. The test can also be used to measure the degree of hearing loss in each ear.