Hearing loss, particularly prevalent among the elderly population, significantly impairs speech comprehension, especially in noisy environments. To address these challenges, hearing loss simulation offers an effective means of investigating the perceptual consequences of sensorineural hearing loss, particularly its impact on Spatial Release from Masking (SRM). This study aims to explore how varying degrees of simulated hearing loss impact SRM, a critical auditory phenomenon that facilitates speech understanding in complex auditory environments. Normal-hearing participants’ auditory capabilities are artificially impaired using a hearing loss simulator. Additionally, diverse spatial audio reproduction methods are examined: direct playback via discrete loudspeakers, higher-order Ambisonics using a loudspeaker array, and binaural reproduction through headphones. With various spatial configurations, the effects of the hearing loss simulator and various reproduction methods are examined by assessing the SRM value. Although the intended experiment could not be completed, the study outlines a robust methodology for analyzing SRM based on speech reception thresholds (SRT) across various conditions. The data analysis framework provided in this thesis offers a detailed approach to understanding the impact of hearing loss on SRM. It provides a foundation for future research in this field.

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