Perceptual interactions in the loudness of combined auditory and vibrotactile stimuli

J Acoust Soc Am. 2010 May;127(5):3038-43. doi: 10.1121/1.3377116.

Abstract

The loudness of auditory (A), tactile (T), and auditory-tactile (A+T) stimuli was measured at supra-threshold levels. Auditory stimuli were pure tones presented binaurally through headphones; tactile stimuli were sinusoids delivered through a single-channel vibrator to the left middle fingertip. All stimuli were presented together with a broadband auditory noise. The A and T stimuli were presented at levels that were matched in loudness to that of the 200-Hz auditory tone at 25 dB sensation level. The 200-Hz auditory tone was then matched in loudness to various combinations of auditory and tactile stimuli (A+T), and purely auditory stimuli (A+A). The results indicate that the matched intensity of the 200-Hz auditory tone is less when the A+T and A+A stimuli are close together in frequency than when they are separated by an octave or more. This suggests that A+T integration may operate in a manner similar to that found in auditory critical band studies, further supporting a strong frequency relationship between the auditory and somatosensory systems.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acoustic Stimulation
  • Adaptation, Physiological
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Audiometry, Pure-Tone
  • Auditory Pathways / physiology*
  • Auditory Perception*
  • Auditory Threshold
  • Female
  • Fingers / innervation*
  • Humans
  • Loudness Perception*
  • Male
  • Psychoacoustics
  • Signal Detection, Psychological*
  • Touch
  • Touch Perception*
  • Vibration
  • Young Adult