Release from masking in virtual auditory space during sustained positive acceleration

Background: The use of a three-dimensional (3-D) auditory display to signif icantly 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 i n the presence of a broadband diotic masker at both +1 Gz (rest position) a nd under sustained +3 Gz. The pulsed signal was presented diotically and wa s spatialized at one of four static azimuth positions on the horizontal pla ne. Results: Results showed that auditory thresholds were not significantly affected by sustained +3 Gz stress, Compared with a diotic presentation, s ubjects reached an average of 6.8 dB lower auditory threshold at +1 Ct and under sustained +3 Gr when the pulsed signal was spatialized at a static po sition of 90 degrees azimuth on the horizontal plane. Conclusion: The impli cation of these results and suggestions for further research are discussed.