Enhancing Sound Source Localization in Blind Soccer: Analyzing Head Movement Strategies and Localization Abilities for Static and Dynamic Auditory Cues via a Virtual Spatial Acoustic System

In the domain of blind soccer, proficient sound localization, utilizing auditory cues, is essential for player performance. This study explores the capacity of individuals to accurately localize static and dynamic auditory cues in an environment that allows free neck movement and investigates the strategies of head movement that contribute to optimal sound localization. Through enhancements to our virtual reality system, we conducted comprehensive verification tests to assess these abilities. Our analysis reveals that sighted players with experience in blind soccer tend to augment their sound localization capability for static sources through more pronounced and frequent head movements. Conversely, visually impaired players exhibit superior localization accuracy for both types of sound sources with minimal, yet efficient, head movements. A critical observation from this study is the differential performance in localizing dynamic sound sources; sighted players, despite active head movements, were unable to match the localization precision of their visually impaired peers. This disparity underscores the necessity for sighted players to refine their head movement techniques for improved sound localization. Importantly, this research also introduces a comparative analysis of simultaneous static and dynamic sound source localization, highlighting the complexities and adaptive strategies required for effective auditory perception in blind soccer.