Hearing loss is a prevalent issue that impairs the quality of life of those affected. Simulating this condition allows for further investigation of its perceptual aspects and improvement of existing hearing models. This study examines the effects of simulated sensorineural hearing loss on the ability to localize sound, a crucial aspect of auditory perception. Using hearing loss simulation software, normal-hearing participants localize sound sources under varied levels of simulated hearing loss. The research also tests three spatial audio reproduction methods – direct playback with loudspeakers, higher-order Ambisonics, and binaural synthesis reproduction via headphones – to assess their impact on sound localization accuracy and interactions with the hearing loss simulation. Additionally, the findings of the listening experiment are compared with the predictions from two localization models from the Auditory Modeling Toolbox. The results indicate a clear impact on localization performance with the introduction of simulated hearing loss, resulting in an increased rate of front-back confusion. Furthermore, an interaction between no hearing loss and direct playback was observed, resulting in a higher precision and a reduced rate of front-back confusion. This suggests that simulated hearing loss has a negative impact on localization, as would be expected when compared to actual hearing-impaired listeners. The investigated auditory models are partially able to predict these results.

Melden Sie sich hier an um Einladungen zu den Kolloquium-Vorträgen per E-Mail zu erhalten.
Register here to receive the invitations to colloquium talks via e-mail.

Zoom-Meeting-ID: 954 4073 3814
Passwort: 450783