Speech Pathology and Audiology Commons^™

Sound Localization Accuracy In The Blind Population, Mary Arrington Deloach

Doctoral Dissertations

The ability to accurately locate a sound source is crucial in the blind population to orient and mobilize independently in the environment. Sound localization is accomplished by the detection of binaural differences in intensity and time of incoming sound waves along with phase differences and spectral cues. It is dependent on auditory sensitivity and processing. However, localization ability can not be predicted from the audiogram or an auditory processing evaluation.

Auditory information is not received only from objects making sound, but also from objects reflecting sound. Auditory information used in this manner is called echolocation. Echolocation significantly enhances localization in …