A Comparison between Spatial Audio Listener Training and Repetitive Practice

Despite the existence of various timbral ear training systems, relatively little work has been carried out into listener training for spatial audio. Additionally, listener training in published studies has tended to extend only to repetitive practice without feedback. In order for a generalised training system for spatial audio listening skills to prove effective, it must demonstrate that learned skills are transferable away from the training environment and it must compare favourably with repetitive practice on specific tasks. A novel study has been conducted to compare a generalised training system with repetitive practice on performance in spatial audio evaluation tasks. Transfer is assessed and practice and training are compared against a control group for tasks involving both near and far transfer.