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Comparison of amplification systems in an auditorium
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|June 1, 1986
Summary
Assistive listening systems, including Frequency Modulation (FM) and Infrared (IR), significantly improved speech intelligibility in a large auditorium compared to a standard public address (PA) system for diverse listener groups.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Acoustics
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Speech intelligibility in large venues is crucial for effective communication.
- Public address (PA) systems often struggle to deliver clear sound to all listeners.
- Assistive listening systems (ALS) offer potential improvements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the speech intelligibility provided by a PA system versus two ALS (FM and IR).
- To evaluate performance across diverse listener groups and seating positions.
Main Methods:
- Word-identification scores were measured using the Modified Rhyme Test.
- Participants included normal-hearing, hearing-impaired, hearing aid users, elderly, and non-native speakers.
- Testing occurred in a large auditorium at two distinct listening positions.
Main Results:
- All main effects (systems, groups, position) and their interactions were statistically significant.
- Both FM and IR systems yielded higher word-identification scores than the PA system.
- While statistically significant, the performance difference between FM and IR systems was minimal.
Conclusions:
- Assistive listening systems (FM and IR) enhance speech intelligibility compared to standard PA systems.
- These systems benefit a wide range of listener types, including those with hearing impairments.
- Both ALS offer a valuable improvement for auditory accessibility in large spaces.