Audiotactile integration in the Pacinian corpuscle’s maximum sensitivity frequency range

Abstract

This study examined whether vibrotactile stimulation can enhance perception of otherwise inaudible sounds within the 200–390 Hz frequency range—the frequency window corresponding to the maximum sensitivity of Pacinian corpuscles. In experiments with 13 young adults, vibrotactile excitation of the fingertip significantly improved detection of sound + vibration versus sound alone, even in the presence of masking noise or no-touch controls, thus confirming frequency-dependent audiotactile enhancement.