Effect of headphone type on listening levels and localization abilities of portable audio device users in quiet and traffic noise

Authors

  • I. Ibrahim National Centre for Audiology, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6G 1H1, Canada
  • R. Malcolmson National Centre for Audiology, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6G 1H1, Canada
  • M.B. Jennings National Centre for Audiology, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6G 1H1, Canada
  • M.F. Cheesman National Centre for Audiology, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6G 1H1, Canada

Keywords:

Acoustic noise, Headphones, High pass filters, Loudspeakers, Noise pollution, Piezoelectric transducers, Background noise, Listening levels, Localization performance, MP-3 players, Noise canceling, Output levels, Portable audio, Sound localization, Traffic noise

Abstract

Two studies were conducted to investigate the effects of headphone type and background noise on sound localization abilities and PAD output levels. Four listening conditions were tested under the first study, including an open ear condition and three cost-effective transducers, an ear bud, over-the-ear headphones, and noise-reduction insert earphones. It was observed that localization performance of the participants decreased when they were listening to music through the MP3 player. Four listening conditions were also tested under the second study including an open ear condition and three transducers designed to reduce background noise. These tests also included ER6i insert phones and Sony MDR-NC6 Noise Canceling headphones.

Additional Files

Published

2009-09-01

How to Cite

1.
Ibrahim I, Malcolmson R, Jennings M, Cheesman M. Effect of headphone type on listening levels and localization abilities of portable audio device users in quiet and traffic noise. Canadian Acoustics [Internet]. 2009 Sep. 1 [cited 2026 May 10];37(3):176-7. Available from: https://jcaa.caa-aca.ca/index.php/jcaa/article/view/2191

Issue

Vol. 37 No. 3 (2009)

Section

Proceedings of the Acoustics Week in Canada

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