Johnston, Daniel, Kearney, Gavin orcid.org/0000-0002-0692-236X and Egermann, Hauke orcid.org/0000-0001-7014-7989 (2022) The Use of Binaural Based Spatial Audio in the Reduction of Auditory Hypersensitivity in Autistic Young People. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 12474. ISSN 1660-4601
Abstract
Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are characterised as experiencing impairments in social-emotional interaction and communication, alongside frequently displaying repetitive behaviours and interests. Further to this, they are often described as experiencing difficulties in processing sensory information, with particular prevalence within the auditory modality. Provoked by common environmental sounds, auditory hypersensitivity can result in self-regulatory fear responses. Rather than a physiological pain reaction, literature suggests that these hypersensitivities are resulting through irrational fear of the sounds. This investigation evaluates the use of binaural based spatial audio as a rendering technique for delivering realistic simulations of averse stimuli within a virtual reality (VR) exposure based computer game intervention for auditory hypersensitivity in autism. Over multiple experimental sessions, 20 autistic participants experiencing auditory hypersensitivity were exposed to either spatial audio or stereo renders of target stimuli during the intervention. Measurements of self-reported emotions displayed significant reductions in associated negative emotional reactions to target stimuli for all participants. However, significant improvements were experienced by those listening to spatial audio simulations. Moreover, tracked voluntary interactions with exposure based game-mechanics increased as the study progressed. Providing further evidence of increased tolerance towards averse auditory stimuli.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2022 by the authors |
Keywords: | autism spectrum disorders,virtal reality,auditory processing,auditory hypersensitivit,tools for therapy,multisensory,spatial audio,Serious Games |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Sciences (York) > Electronic Engineering (York) The University of York > Faculty of Arts and Humanities (York) > Music (York) |
Depositing User: | Pure (York) |
Date Deposited: | 30 Sep 2022 10:00 |
Last Modified: | 02 Nov 2024 01:25 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912474 |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.3390/ijerph191912474 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:191532 |
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Filename: ijerph_19_12474.pdf
Description: The Use of Binaural Based Spatial Audio in the Reduction of Auditory Hypersensitivity in Autistic Young People
Licence: CC-BY 2.5
Filename: ijerph_19_12474.pdf
Description: The Use of Binaural Based Spatial Audio in the Reduction of Auditory Hypersensitivity in Autistic Young People
Licence: CC-BY 2.5