Release from masking in virtual auditory space during sustained positive acceleration.
BACKGROUND
The use of a three-dimensional (3-D) auditory display to significantly lower subject detection level while maintaining comprehension under sustained positive G-stress was explored in this study.


METHODS
Auditory threshold levels were measured for detecting a band limited pulsed signal in the presence of a broadband diotic masker at both + 1 Gz (rest position) and under sustained +3 Gz. The pulsed signal was presented diotically and was spatialized at one of four static azimuth positions on the horizontal plane.


RESULTS
Results showed that auditory thresholds were not significantly affected by sustained +3 Gz stress. Compared with a diotic presentation, subjects reached an average of 6.8 dB lower auditory threshold at +1 Gz and under sustained +3 Gz when the pulsed signal was spatialized at a static position of 90 degrees azimuth on the horizontal plane.


CONCLUSIONS
The implication of these results and suggestions for further research are discussed.
Arrabito
G R
GR
Defence and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. robbie@dciem.dnd.ca
Cheung
B
B
Crabtree
R B
RB
McFadden
S M
SM
D000328:Adult; D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D001309:Auditory Threshold; D001359:Aviation; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018471:Hypergravity / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement; D011187:Posture; D013028:Space Perception