Lateralization by frequency for repeating sequences of dichotic 400‐ and 800‐Hz tones

Subjects made lateralization judgments involving dichotic sequences of 250‐ms tones, which alternated in frequency between 400 and 800 Hz, such that when one ear received 400 Hz the other ear received 800 Hz, and vice versa. With sequences consisting of 20 dichotic tone pairs there was a strong tendency to lateralize each fused tonal percept toward the ear receiving the 800‐Hz signal. In certain subjects the effect also occurred even when the 800‐Hz tone was substantially lower in amplitude than the 400‐Hz tone, and when it was clearly lesser in loudness. However, with sequences consisting of only two dichotic tone pairs, this lateralization‐by‐frequency effect was substantially weaker.