title: Sound localization measured by eye-tracking.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To introduce a new method of measuring sound localization ability based on eye-tracking and to test this method by analysing the influence of mild induced conductive hearing loss on sound localization.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sound signals were presented from different angles, and the participant's responses were measured using an eye-tracking device. For validation, a comparison of responses to visual stimuli was performed. To test the clinical application of this method, a mild conductive hearing loss was simulated, and the impact of this change on sound localization was measured.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen participants.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The system provided repeatable measurements, and there was a good correlation of sound and visual signals. A large number of trials could be completed fairly rapidly. Following the induced conductive hearing loss, a decline of 5.5° in the accuracy of sound localization in the horizontal plane was found towards the side of the non-impaired ear for frontal presentations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Quantifying sound localization by eye-tracking was found to be feasible, fast and accurate. A mild conductive hearing loss caused a slight degradation of sound localization accuracy within the 30° frontal sector, which is in good agreement with results found using methods requiring more extensive instrumentation.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Otorhinolaryngology , Head and Neck Surgery, Kantonsspital St. Gallen , St. Gallen , Switzerland.
authors.forename: Alexander C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Volck
authors.affiliation: b Department of Otorhinolaryngology , Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Zurich, and University of Zurich , Switzerland.
authors.forename: Roman D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Laske
authors.affiliation: a Department of Otorhinolaryngology , Head and Neck Surgery, Kantonsspital St. Gallen , St. Gallen , Switzerland.
authors.forename: Ralph
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Litschel
authors.affiliation: b Department of Otorhinolaryngology , Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Zurich, and University of Zurich , Switzerland.
authors.forename: Rudolf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Probst
authors.affiliation: a Department of Otorhinolaryngology , Head and Neck Surgery, Kantonsspital St. Gallen , St. Gallen , Switzerland.
authors.forename: Abel-Jan
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Tasman
mesh_terms: D000161:Acoustic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D000328:Adult; D005133:Eye Movements; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006314:Hearing Loss, Conductive / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006320:Hearing Tests / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013017:Sound Localization
keywords: Spatial hearing; eye tracker; sound localization; unilateral conductive hearing loss