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Conference Paper Open Access

The effects of hear-through augmented environmental noise on listener engagement with speech-based media

Authors: Harrison, Jay; Archer-Boyd, Alan W; Murphy, Damian T

AES 2024 International Conference on Audio for Virtual and Augmented Reality · Paper 1 · August 2024

Abstract

Adjustable hear-through in devices now affords users control over the extent to which their surroundings are augmented over media. However, it is not known how listeners engagement with media is affected by environmental noise that is boosted by hear-through. This paper presents results of a listening experiment that investigates how noise influences engagement with speech-based media presented over earphones. The engagement measures used were; Immersion, Narrative Absorption, and Enjoyment, with Listening Effort and awareness of noise also assessed. The results suggested that boosting from hear-through provides listeners with a greater awareness of their surroundings without diminishing their engagement with speech-based media. Results also suggested that while most listeners experience lower engagement due to noise, some experience higher engagement.

Details

Published in
AES 2024 International Conference on Audio for Virtual and Augmented Reality
Paper number
1
Publication date
August 5, 2024
Session subject
Audio for Virtual and Augmented Reality
Affiliation
Audiolab, School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, University of York, Genesis 6, Church Lane, Innovation Way, Heslington, York, YO10 5DQ, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom; Audiolab, School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, University of York, Genesis 6, Church Lane, Innovation Way, Heslington, York, YO10 5DQ, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom; BBC Research and Development, The Lighthouse, White City Place, 201 Wood Lane, London, W12 7TQ, Greater London, United Kingdom (See document for exact affiliation information.)
Type
Conference Paper