A framework for testing and comparing binaural models

• Published in: Hearing research 2018-03, Vol.360, p.92-106
• Main Authors: Dietz, Mathias, Lestang, Jean-Hugues, Majdak, Piotr, Stern, Richard M., Marquardt, Torsten, Ewert, Stephan D., Hartmann, William M., Goodman, Dan F.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acoustic Stimulation; Auditory models; Auditory Pathways - cytology; Auditory Pathways - physiology; Auditory Perception; Binaural processing; Cues; Hearing; Humans; Interaural time differences; Models, Psychological; Psychoacoustics; Reproducible research; Sound Localization; Speech Intelligibility; Speech Perception; Time Factors
• ISSN: 0378-5955; 1878-5891
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2017.11.010

Auditory research has a rich history of combining experimental evidence with computational simulations of auditory processing in order to deepen our theoretical understanding of how sound is processed in the ears and in the brain. Despite significant progress in the amount of detail and breadth covered by auditory models, for many components of the auditory pathway there are still different model approaches that are often not equivalent but rather in conflict with each other. Similarly, some experimental studies yield conflicting results which has led to controversies. This can be best resolved by a systematic comparison of multiple experimental data sets and model approaches. Binaural processing is a prominent example of how the development of quantitative theories can advance our understanding of the phenomena, but there remain several unresolved questions for which competing model approaches exist. This article discusses a number of current unresolved or disputed issues in binaural modelling, as well as some of the significant challenges in comparing binaural models with each other and with the experimental data. We introduce an auditory model framework, which we believe can become a useful infrastructure for resolving some of the current controversies. It operates models over the same paradigms that are used experimentally. The core of the proposed framework is an interface that connects three components irrespective of their underlying programming language: The experiment software, an auditory pathway model, and task-dependent decision stages called artificial observers that provide the same output format as the test subject. •A software framework connecting experiments with models via file I/O.•Easy and direct model comparisons facilitated by “artificial observer” approach.•Review of binaural model concepts and model toolboxes.