On the role of head-related transfer function spectral notches in the judgement of sound source elevation

Abstract

Using a simple model of sound source elevation judgment, an attempt was made to predict two aspects of listeners' localization behavior from measurements of the positions of the primary high-frequency notch in their head-related transfer functions. These characteristics were: (1) the scatter in elevation judgments and (2) possible biases in perceived elevation introduced by front-back and back-front reversals. Although significant differences were found among the notch-frequency patterns for individual subjects, the model was not capable of predicting differences in judgment behavior. This suggests that a simple model of elevation perception based on a single spectral notch frequency is inadequate.