Comparison of localization performance with individualized and non-individualized head-related transfer functions for dynamic listeners

The head-related transfer function (HRTF) depends on head, torso, and ear geometry of an individual and typically measured in an anechoic chamber using an HRTF measurement apparatus. This is referred to as the individualized HRTF. In many applications, an HRTF corresponding to an average human head is measured on dummy also called genericHRTFs. Prior research has shown that personalized HRTF gives significantly better performance over the generic HRTF for a static listener. However, these studies were limited to only static listeners where the listener’s head is fixed during stimuli presentation. In case of dynamic listeners, the head motion enables the listeners to perceive additional spectral cues resulting due to head motion. In the present study, we compare the performance of personalized vs. generic HRTFs for a dynamic listener. We quantify the localization performance of each listener with both individualized and non-individualized HRTFs (virtual conditions) and compare it against their ground truth...