How far is that wall? Judging distance with audification

This research identified differences in the ability to determine distance using audible echolocation relative to audified ultrasound echoes with receivers mounted laterally and forward. In an anechoic environment, participants walked toward a stationary “wall” and provided an indication of perceived distance from the wall. Once the judgement was made, the participant walked to the location of the wall to provide an opportunity to recalibrate for future trials. At closer distances, no differences were observed among conditions, but at farther distances the results from the audified ultrasound were more accurate. The orientation of the receivers in the outward direction provided for better results overall in the judgement of distance to environmental obstacles.