Contribution
Localization Tests on Restoring Spatial Hearing in ANC Headphones: Method and Results
* Presenting author
Abstract:
Over-ear hearing protection devices with Active Noise Control (ANC) effectively minimize ambient noise and reduce overall exposure. However, this benefit is accompanied by a significant reduction in the ability to detect environmental sounds, which can compromise situational awareness and increase the potential for safety risks. To consign this limitation, certain headphones include an audio pass-through system using microphones to capture external sounds, which are replayed through speakers. While this solution helps to a certain extent, it only provides stereo sound, which lacks the spatial information needed for precise localization of sound sources. Spatial hearing relies on the unique filtering properties of the outer ear and pinna, which vary with the direction of incoming sound. Over-ear-headphones disrupt these natural effects, impairing localization. This poster presents the method and results of the localization tests to evaluate restoring spatial hearing in ANC headphones. Localization tests are conducted in a sound-isolated chamber to ensure controlled conditions. During the tests, different sound sources are located, and the natural filter effects are restored. Statistical analysis demonstrates the system´s effectiveness in enhancing spatial hearing.