Binaural Interference in Normal Hearing Children

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine if the phenomenon of binaural interference occurs in normal hearing children. To investigate the possible presence of binaural interference, comparisons of the participants' right, left, and binaural performance was measured for word recognition test scores and speech-in-noise test scores. To provide evidence of the possible breakdown within the auditory system associated with binaural interference, sub-cortical and cortical tests were used within the test battery. Tonal and speech masking level difference tests (MLDs) were used as sub-cortical tasks. The pitch pattern sequence [motor (MPPS) and verbal (VPPS) response] tests were used as cortical tasks. Normative data was developed for the masking level difference tests and pitch pattern sequence tests.