Human diversity in acoustics. Towards a more inclusive sound environment.

Abstract

The study of human responses to sound generally recognises the great importance of taking into account the diversity existent in sounds and acoustics environments, but it rarely adopts the same approach with respect to the diversity in human beings and their responses, providing results as averages meant to represent the 'normal' response, and disregarding discrepancies as 'outliers'. In this paper, neurodiversity and autism is presented as part of the aural diversity factors that can lead to having different experiences of sounds, and an ongoing doctoral research project aiming at representing autistic people's experiences of the acoustic environment is introduced. Differences in perception of sounds can entail different challenges and needs, that are not currently contemplated in acoustics and soundscape research. The authors believe that all these aspects ought to be considered to widen our understanding of the field, to improve research and practice, and to create acoustic environments that are not just designed for a limited part of the population.