A set of equations for numerically calculating the interaural level difference in the horizontal plane

Area of Science:

• Acoustics
• Auditory Perception
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Interaural Level Differences (ILDs) are crucial for sound localization but exhibit complex variations with frequency and direction.
• Existing models for ILDs often lack continuous calculation capabilities across the entire horizontal plane.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a set of continuous parametric equations for calculating Interaural Level Differences (ILDs).
• To provide a simplified method for determining ILDs at any frequency and azimuth in the horizontal plane.

Main Methods:

• Equations were derived by fitting mathematical models to existing Interaural Level Difference (ILD) data.
• Data from Shaw and Vaillancourt (1985) on azimuthal dependence of ILDs were utilized.
• Assumptions of left-right symmetry were incorporated into the equation derivation.

Main Results:

• A novel set of parametric equations for calculating Interaural Level Differences (ILDs) was successfully established.
• The derived equations accurately represent the ILDs across a range of frequencies and azimuthal angles.
• The overall Root Mean Square (RMS) error of the fitted equations was less than 0.5 dB, demonstrating high accuracy.

Conclusions:

• The developed parametric equations offer a continuous and accurate method for predicting Interaural Level Differences (ILDs).
• These equations simplify the complex relationship between ILDs, frequency, and direction, aiding auditory research.
• The findings provide a valuable tool for applications in psychoacoustics, virtual audio, and hearing aid design.