Localization in Elevation with Non-Individual Head-Related Transfer Functions: Comparing Predictions of Two Auditory Models

This paper explores the limits of human localization of sound sources when listening with non-individual Head-Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs), by simulating performances of a localization task in the mid-sagittal plane. Computational simulations are performed with the CIPIC HRTF database using two different auditory models which mimic human hearing processing from a functional point of view. Our methodology investigates the opportunity of using virtual experiments instead of time- and resource- demanding psychoacoustic tests, which could also lead to potentially unreliable results. Four different perceptual metrics were implemented in order to identify relevant differences between auditory models in a selection problem of best-available non-individual HRTFs. Results report a high correlation between the two models denoting an overall similar trend, however, we discuss discrepancies in the predictions which should be carefully considered for the applicability of our methodology to the HRTF selection problem.