Medical Standard Considerations for the Implementation of Spatial Audio in Aviation
Abstract
As the Army advances its force modernization priorities, the development of Future Vertical Lift (FVL) aircraft has become an area of concentrated effort. Tremendous focus placed on extending the reach of current rotary-wing aircraft and operating over new terrains will allow completion of novel mission sets. Given the ambitions of FVL aircraft operations (i.e., high-altitude desert plateau and the urban canyons of megacities), it is imperative the aviator is provided with state-of-the-art technologies and capabilities aimed at increasing an operators situational awareness, enabling safe operations, optimizing crew performance, and reducing pilot fatigue. One potential solution is the implementation of spatial auditory display technologies (i.e., 3D audio displays). Spatial auditory displays support a natural, ecologically valid, egocentric representation of space where auditory objects behave realistically in terms of direction, distance, and motion. The present report details the state of science for spatial audio displays in aviation, considerations for medical standards and biomedical design criteria, an overview of current Department of Defense hearing standards, and highlights the various applications for which spatial audio could benefit the aviator.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 16, 2024
- Accession Number
- AD1220918
Entities
People
- Heath Jones
- Jennifer Noetzel
- Jr Stefanson
- Paula Henry
Organizations
- United States Army