Listener accuracy in the localization of small arms fire: the effect of changes in amplitude and timing differences
Loading...
Links to Files
Permanent Link
Author/Creator
Author/Creator ORCID
Date
2015-08-10
Type of Work
Department
Towson University. Department of Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology and Deaf Studies
Program
Citation of Original Publication
Rights
Copyright protected, all rights reserved.
There are no restrictions on access to this document. An internet release form signed by the author to display this document online is on file with Towson University Special Collections and Archives.
There are no restrictions on access to this document. An internet release form signed by the author to display this document online is on file with Towson University Special Collections and Archives.
Subjects
Abstract
Sound localization is an essential skill for auditory situational awareness. It is the ability of the auditory system to analyze acoustic cues and hone in on the direction of a sound source. One class of impulse noises, specifically small arms fire, has unique auditory characteristics which impact sound localization abilities. The present study attempted to identify the driving force of gunfire localization by manipulating acoustic properties and assessing listener performance in localization tasks. The acoustic properties included the isolation of muzzle blast (MB) and ballistic crack (BC) sounds, differences between the onset times and intensity differences of the two components, azimuth changes, and amplitude and timing differences as a function of shooter/observer relationships. Results of this study showed significant differences between participants' ability to localize isolated MB and BC sounds. Similarly, significant effects of azimuth, amplitude differences, and distance were found. Overall, timing differences did not impact localization performance. The current research aims to build upon the knowledge base of how the human auditory system localizes small arms fire. Ultimately, this information may improve communication systems and tools that can increase situational awareness for those who are exposed to hostile/friendly fire.