On Some Factors Affecting the Estimation of Loudness

Abstract

The effect of several factors on the loudness estimation was explored in a series of experiments. It has been found that the numerical estimation of loudness ratios by listeners without auditory pathology depends on the sensation level, when the number assigned to the standard is kept constant, and on the number assigned to the standard when the sensation level is invariant. Only when the sensation level and the number are varied simultaneously in an appropriate way is it possible to maintain an approximately constant loudness function. The experiments have led to the determination of the loudness function near the threshold of audibility. In general. the results are in agreement with the data obtained by Robinson, Zwicker, Scharf. and J. C. Stevens and with those of S. S. Stevens at medium and high sensation levels. (Work supported by a contract between the Office of Naval Research and Syracuse University.)