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Investigating the Utility of a Compact Loudspeaker Array for Audiometric Testing
Patrick M Zurek1, Richard L Freyman2, Fadi Najem3
1Sensimetrics Corporation, Gloucester, MA.
American Journal of Audiology
|April 26, 2024
Summary
A new loudspeaker array system reliably measures sound localization, speech reception in noise, and sound field thresholds across different sound booths. Researchers should note potential reflection effects in specific speech-in-noise tests.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Acoustics
- Psychoacoustics
Background:
- Traditional audiometric measurements can be limited by equipment and environment.
- Evaluating the reliability of new measurement systems in controlled acoustic spaces is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a prototype compact loudspeaker array for audiometric measurements.
- To assess the reliability and consistency of test results obtained from this array across different sound booths.
Main Methods:
- A seven-loudspeaker array with head position sensing was developed.
- Three systems were tested at two sites for within-subject comparisons.
- Tests included sound localization, speech reception in noise, and threshold detection with 36 participants.
Main Results:
- Excellent interbooth consistency was found for sound localization and sound field threshold measurements.
- Some nonequivalence was observed in speech-in-noise tests, particularly in smaller booths.
- Acoustic analysis suggested reflections influenced speech-in-noise test results.
Conclusions:
- The compact loudspeaker array is a useful and reliable tool for audiometric assessments.
- Awareness of acoustic reflections is important for interpreting sound field test results, especially in speech-in-noise evaluations.
