Schedule of Events | Symposia

Sound Tracking and Localization in Blind Athletics

Poster Session F - Tuesday, April 1, 2025, 8:00 – 10:00 am EDT, Back Bay Ballroom/Republic Ballroom

Hannah Creely¹ (hncreely@live.carlow.edu), Jennifer Roth¹, Clara Cheng¹; ¹Carlow University

Blind and Visually Impaired (BVI) tennis is played with foam balls containing a mechanical rattle, making sound only during changes in momentum. This study examined the effects head placement and age have on sound localization and tracking in participants. The findings can benefit blind athletics as we learn how to optimize players' sound localization ability, leading to more efficient coaching techniques that can increase success and enjoyment of the sport, as well as retention of new players. Sighted and blind participants aged 18-60 were blindfolded as BVI tennis balls were tossed at them by a researcher standing 20 feet in front of them. The balls were thrown at target points -15°, -7°, 0°, 7°, 15° from where the researcher was standing. In 3 blocks of trials, participants had both ears, left ear, or right ear towards the researcher tossing the balls. The ball bounced three times before reaching the target point. Participants shuffled laterally to make contact with the BVI tennis ball. Another researcher sat behind the participant giving hand signals to communicate which target the balls should be tossed at. Participants were significantly more successful at contacting the ball when both ears faced the ball rather than just one. There was not enough data collected to confirm the effect age has on sound localization and tracking abilities. As blind tennis grows worldwide, coaches of sighted athletes who typically have players turn to hit a ball, will know to coach blind athletes to keep both ears pointed toward the ball.

Topic Area: PERCEPTION & ACTION: Audition