Two congruent cues are better than one: Impact of ITD-ILD combinations on reaction time for sound lateralization

This letter presents a reaction time analysis of a sound lateralization test. Sounds from various directions were synthesized using interaural time-level difference (ITD-ILD) combinations, and human subjects performed left/right detection. Stimuli from the sides yielded quicker reactions and better class accuracy than from the front. Congruent ITD-ILD cues significantly improved both metrics. For opposing ITD-ILD cues, subjects' choices were mostly driven by the ITD, and the responses were significantly slower. The findings, obtained with an easily accessible methodology, corroborate the integrated processing of the binaural cues and promote the use of multiple congruent binaural cues in headphone reproduction.

Automated summary

This letter presents a reaction time analysis of a sound lateralization test, showing that stimuli from the sides yield quicker reactions and better class accuracy than from the front. Congruent ITD-ILD cues significantly improved both metrics, while opposing ITD-ILD cues resulted in slower responses driven by ITD. These findings corroborate the integrated processing of binaural cues and promote the use of multiple congruent binaural cues in headphone reproduction.