Initial experiences with test setup and subject training for S3.71 sound localization testing

The ASA/ANSI S3.71 standard outlines methods for measuring the impact of head-worn devices such as hearing protection on a user’s ability to localize sound sources in the horizontal plane. Implementing the methods of the standard requires a loudspeaker array of either 8 or 36 speakers. This presentation shares some of our experiences setting up a 36-speaker localization array and beginning to train subjects with the eight speakers required according to Method 1 of S3.71. Based on this experience, opportunities for updates or clarifications of the S3.71 standard are recommended for a future revision. A brief tutorial on using the Python sounddevice module for multi-channel audio playback is provided.