2019 NHCA Annual Conference

The objective of this research is to develop a portable, field-validated auditory localization training system for the U.S. military. Convergent experiments designed to generate a validated portable localization training system involve: 1) developing an empirically-optimized auditory localization training methodology, 2) developing a portable localization training system validated against a laboratory-grade system, 3) evaluating the efficacy of the localization training with TCAPS and HPDs, and 4) validating the portable training system against a field localization task using live weapon fire. The optimized auditory training methodology is built upon Virginia Tech‚ DRILCOM system. Two pilot studies determined the stimuli and number of replications within each training unit to be used in the optimized method. Results demonstrated that training with a tonally-dissonant signal that incorporated interaural timing and level differences (ITDs and ILDs) transferred to untrained, military-relevant signals, but only those which provided ITDs and ILDs. Results of the portable system validation experiment that incorporates the optimized methodology is reported. Practical applications of auditory localization training and test systems are discussed.