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Release from masking in virtual auditory space during sustained positive acceleration
G R Arrabito1, B Cheung, R B Crabtree
1Defence and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. robbie@dciem.dnd.ca
Background:
The use of a three-dimensional (3-D) auditory display to significantly lower subject detection level while maintaining comprehension under sustained positive G-stress was explored in this study.
Methods:
Auditory threshold levels were measured for detecting a band limited pulsed signal in the presence of a broadband diotic masker at both + 1 Gz (rest position) and under sustained +3 Gz. The pulsed signal was presented diotically and was spatialized at one of four static azimuth positions on the horizontal plane.
Results:
Results showed that auditory thresholds were not significantly affected by sustained +3 Gz stress. Compared with a diotic presentation, subjects reached an average of 6.8 dB lower auditory threshold at +1 Gz and under sustained +3 Gz when the pulsed signal was spatialized at a static position of 90 degrees azimuth on the horizontal plane.
Conclusion:
The implication of these results and suggestions for further research are discussed.