Factors influencing the choice of fixed-level ear in the ABLB test.

The use of the worse ear as the fixed-intensity one in the ABLB test has been recommended. This recommendation has been criticised on three grounds. The present work studies these arguments, both theoretically and in light of recent experimental and clinical data, in terms of accuracy of results and of various operational and empirical factors. It is concluded that for achieving each loudness balance it is markedly better to follow the recommendation to keep the worse ear at a fixed intensity and to vary the intensities delivered to the better ear.