Auditory adaptation: Some agreement between loudness effects

We have not yet found significant intercorrelations between binaural balances, monaural balances, monaural reaction time, and magnitude estimates of loudness adaptation. Despite this, the intracorrelations for each method have been significant and moderately high. Furthermore, for group averages, the characteristics of adaptation measured by the different techniques share similarities such as the progressive decline of loudness over time, even though individuals are not consistent across methods. Recently, using the modified method of magnitude estimates with short intensity increments, we found effects on loudness estimates consistent with the models proposed for binaural balances by Weiler, Loeb, and Alluisi (1972) and Hood and Weiler (1977). Noting that magnitude judgments of loudness should occur at the highest level of the auditory system, perhaps simple magnitude estimates as evolved by Scharf's group include more of the complexities of auditory function than reaction time or balance measures.