Smooth and easy navigation is an essential feature in virtual reality (VR) applications. The authors use three-dimensional (3D) sound to help navigate an immersive virtual environment, and report the results of user tests of a game-like application. This research applies an audio reproduction system based on loudspeakers rather than headphones. Current high-quality immersive virtual environments include multichannel 3D audio equipment, making it easier to use 3D auditory cues when navigating.

The authors report on two experiments where 3D auditory cues for navigation are applied. In the first experiment, they compare visual, auditory, and audiovisual cues. The second experiment involves navigation performed with different auditory cues, but no visual information. The results show that 3D navigation in a virtual environment is possible with auditory cues alone. However, the fastest and most accurate navigation is obtained when both auditory and visual cues are available. So, the research shows that auditory cues help in navigation, and auditory navigation is possible even without any visual feedback.