Subjective and objective validation of a virtual reality system as a tool for studying speech intelligibility in architectural spaces

Speech is essential for communication, but poor acoustics can disrupt it. Studying how indoor architectural features affect speech perception is key for boosting communication. Virtual Reality (VR) systems allow the auralization of realistic auditory scenarios, enabling and easing controlled studies of Speech Intelligibility (SI) in different architectural spaces. This study builds on previous research presenting and objectively validating a cost-effective VR setup—16 speakers synced with a VR headset—and evaluates its adequacy for perceived SI assessments. Thirteen subjects underwent SI tests in a reverberant lecture room and its VR reproduction, within five auditory scenarios varying in target speech spatial configurations and masking noise type. Speech Reception Threshold results indicate alignment between real and virtual settings for all scenarios. Subjective ratings further confirm a good coherence between real and virtual auditory experience, supporting the system validity.