Sensitivity to Haptic Sound-Localization Cues at Different Body Locations

Cochlear implants (CIs) recover hearing in severely to profoundly hearing-impaired people by electrically stimulating the cochlea. While they are extremely effective, spatial is typically limited. Recent studies have shown that haptic stimulation can supplement electrical CI signal (electro-haptic stimulation) and substantially improve sound localization. In sound-localization studies, extracted from audio received behind-the-ear devices delivered each wrist. Localization achieved using tactile intensity differences (TIDs) across wrists, which match ears (a key localization cue). The current study established sensitivity across-limb TIDs at three candidate locations for a wearable device, namely: lower tricep palmar dorsal At all locations, TID was similar across-ear normal-hearing listeners. This suggests greater accuracy than previously be achieved. dynamic range also measured far exceeded available through of suggesting could provide additional sound-intensity information. These results indicate an effective aid deployed any offer low-cost, non-invasive means improving outcomes