User Audio Intelligibility, Recall and Immersion in Virtual Reality Environment

In recent years, virtual reality (VR) technology has advanced rapidly, with spatial audio playing a key role in enhancing immersion. The Head-Related Transfer Function (HRTF) is central to realistic three-dimensional soundscapes, significantly improving directional perception. However, challenges remain regarding users’ ability to accurately recall and comprehend auditory content in virtual environments, impacting overall audio intelligibility, recall, and immersion. This study conducted a 3 (VR scenario) × 3 (sound source type) × 3 (audio mode) factorial experiment with ninety participants to investigate effects on intelligibility, recall, and immersion. Results revealed that participants exhibited superior audio recall for static, moving, and rotating sound sources positioned on the left and right compared to other directions. Additionally, compared to simulated 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound systems, VR spatial audio significantly enhanced user immersion, intelligibility, and recall.