Search research articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Videos

Auditory localization: effects of reflecting surfaces.

¹Ruhr-Universität Bochum, FRG.

|January 1, 1990

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

[Perimortem semen retrieval from comatose intensive care patients : Medico-legal, psychological and ethical aspects].

Der Anaesthesist·2010

Same author

How to forecast community annoyance in planning noisy facilities.

Noise & health·2004

Same author

[Approach of noise emission limit value sciences: on the topic of stress during the day and at night].

Schriftenreihe des Vereins fur Wasser-, Boden- und Lufthygiene·2001

Same author

Spatio-temporal constraints for auditory--visual integration.

Behavioural brain research·2001

Same author

[Psychosomatic effects of smog alarm].

Schriftenreihe des Vereins fur Wasser-, Boden- und Lufthygiene·1986

Same author

An analysis of spontaneous noise complaints.

Environmental research·1977

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

A sound-reflecting surface on the floor improved human sound localization accuracy, particularly for elevation. Conversely, a ceiling reflection decreased accuracy, while wall reflections had no systematic effect.

Area of Science:

Auditory perception
Acoustics
Human psychoacoustics

Background:

The human ear's anatomical and evolutionary aspects inform our understanding of sound localization.
Sound reflections significantly impact auditory spatial perception, especially in enclosed environments.
Previous research indicates environmental acoustics play a crucial role in accurate sound source identification.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effect of a single sound-reflecting surface on human sound localization accuracy.
To determine how the position of a sound-reflecting surface (floor, ceiling, walls) influences sound source identification.
To assess the impact on localization accuracy concerning azimuth, distance, and elevation.

Main Methods:

Forty-eight human subjects participated in an experiment within an anechoic chamber.

Related Experiment Videos

Subjects localized a human voice emitted from 27 stationary loudspeakers at varying positions.

A single sound-reflecting surface was positioned on the floor, ceiling, left, or right, and compared to no reflection.

Main Results:

A sound-reflecting surface on the floor significantly increased correct sound localizations, especially for elevation.
A sound-reflecting ceiling systematically decreased localization accuracy.
Sound-reflecting walls did not systematically affect localization performance; horizontal and distance judgments were unaffected.

Conclusions:

Floor-based sound reflections enhance auditory elevation perception and overall sound localization accuracy.
Ceiling reflections impair sound localization, suggesting a detrimental effect on spatial auditory processing.
The placement of reflective surfaces critically influences the precision of human sound localization.