Binaural analysis methods and their relationship to quality evaluation of hands-free telecommunication equipment

Since modern telecommunication equipment, especially hands-free telephones, incorporates sophisticated signal processing, the analysis methods must take into account the properties of the human hearing. The basis for the correct aquisition of test data — used for auditory but instrumental measurements as well- is the binaural rcording and binaural analysis of the test stimuli. The paper gives an overview, in what ways binaural methods can be applied for quality evaluation. The paper focusses on methods for aquiring test data in the listening situation, in the converational situation and for instrumental measurements using defined, artificial test stimuli. Various methods for playback of binaurally recorded sounds in different situations are shown.