Localization using nonindividualized head-related transfer functions

Abstract

The paper investigates the accuracy of localization by inexperienced listeners of the direction (azimuth and elevation) of wideband noisebursts presented in the free-field or over headphones, with headphone stimuli being synthesized using head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) from a representative subject of Wightman and Kistler (1989). Many subjects showed high rates of front-back and up-down confusions that increased significantly for virtual sources compared to the free-field stimuli. When confusions were resolved, localization of virtual sources was quite accurate and comparable to the free-field sources for 12 out of 16 subjects. The results of this study suggest that, while the interaural cues to horizontal location are robust, the spectral cues considered important for resolving location along a particular cone-of-confusion are distorted by a synthesis process that uses nonindividualized HRTFs.