Asymmetric performances in binaural localization of sound in space.

ABSTRACT

Twenty right-handers and 20 left-handers were tested on a sound localization task. Broadband noise was presented from either the left or right hemifield. Localization accuracy was significantly greater (P = 0.002) when sounds emanated from the left hemifield thereby suggesting a paramount role played by the right hemisphere. Correcting for front-rear reversals, attributable to impoverished spectral cues and/or faulty processing of such cues, rendered differences in error scores linked to hemifield nonsignificant. The data were interpreted to mean that the special contribution of the right hemisphere to this task was its greater fidelity in processing spectral cues. No differences in localization proficiency between right- and left-handers were observed.