Pattern Analysis Based Models of Masking by Spatially Separated Sound Sources

Abstract

Abstract : one goal of this program of research is to examine masking among spatially separated sound sources. The results indicate that masking release on the order of 8-20 dB can be observed in free-field masking situations when the signal and the masker are spatially separated by 900. This magnitude of masking release is comparable to that observed in traditional binaural masking level difference experiments, where the stimuli are presented through headphones. However, while masking release observed in headphone studies is typically assumed to be based on interaural differences in phase or on interaural differences in intensity, we observed substantial masking release in the median plane where interaural differences are minimal. our own headphone masking research is also questioning traditional models of binaural masking. Work is underway to develop a neural network based model of sound localization. The results of these studies will have implications for the development of virtual environments and auditory displays.