Objective: The viability of a three-dimensional (3-D) auditory display for improving signal detection of passive sonar signals was investigated. Background: Sonar operators usually have difficulty detecting targets because the sound received by the hydrophone has a low signal-to-noise ratio when coupled with the operator's headset that does not isolate well against the ambient noise. Methods: Release from masking was assessed by pairing a recording of a torpedo with diotic broadband pink noise that served as a masker, and a 400 Hz tone with the masker. Masked thresholds were measured for seven signal durations when each signal was presented dioticly and in 3-D auditory space at three positions on the horizontal plane. Results: The spatial separation of signal and masker yielded a significant improvement in detection. Conclusion: A 3-D auditory display is a viable technology that could lead to a significant improvement in release from masking. The magnitude of the masking level difference will vary with respect to the characteristics of the hydrophone signal and masker and the synthesis capability of the 3-D auditory display. Application: Potential applications of this research include enhanced auditory displays for processing passive sonar signals, leading to earlier detection of enemy targets.
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