Audio quality predictions correlate with perception of processing delays across different simulated hearing device conditions

Processing delays can degrade listening experience, especially where direct and delayed sound paths interact. Although noticeability of delays has been modeled successfully, it is unclear how well models generalize across different types of delays. In this study, the noticeability of frequency-dependent and -independent delays was measured and the GPSMq model [Biberger, Fleßner, Huber, and Ewert (2018). J. Audio Eng. Soc. 66(7/8), 578-593] was tested for its ability to predict both existing and previously unreported data. A good prediction performance (linear correlation, ρ=0.94) was measured. The functional relationship between model outputs and measured results differs significantly between participant groups with different levels of experience but not across conditions.