Development of examinations for spatial hearing using the virtual reality technology

我们利用虚拟现实技术开发了一套空间听力考试系统。在声音定位测试中，基于标准化的头部相关传递函数(HRTF)，模拟了位于受试者周围8个方向(每45度)的虚拟声源(粉色噪声)。此外，测试噪声在信号检测能力中的位置对噪声中信号检测能力的影响的测试也使用了与上述系统相同的技术。该系统在听力正常的受试者和听力受损的受试者中进行了测试。结果表明，利用该虚拟系统可以有效地检测空间听觉能力。这些系统在临床应用中非常有用，因为这些系统可以相对容易地制备而不是露天系统。

We have developed an examination system for spatial hearing using the virtual reality technology. In the examination for sound localization, virtual sound source (pink noise) located eight directions (every 45 degree) around the subjects were simulated based on the standardized HRTF (head related transfer function). In addition, the examination to test the effects of the position of noise in the signal detection ability in noise, which is well-known as "cocktail party phenomenon", were also made up using the same technique as the above-mentioned system.These system was tested with the subjects with normal hearing as well as impared listeners. Results obtained suggests that the ability on the spatial hearing can be effectively examined using the virtual system. These system appeared to be very useful for the clinical applications in that these system can be prepared relatively easier than open-field system..