Localization of intermittent sound with head movement: Basic study on optimum temporal characteristics of acoustic guide signals

Acoustic guide signals for visually impaired persons sometimes do not include the high frequency components necessary for front-back discrimination in sound localization. However, head movement makes this discrimination possible, even in such cases. This paper clarifies the necessary duration of continuous sound to be able to use head movement effectively in sound localization and whether or not, the effect of head movement appears in sound localization of intermittent sound used in place of continuous one. Head movement is effective for sound localization when the duration of continuous sound exceeds 800 ms, and persists even if the sound is intermittent rather than continuous.