Impact of white noise on spatial navigation of people without visual cues

Abstract

Abstract The current study examines how multisensory cues-specifically, passive proprioception combined with white noise-affect navigation ability in the absence of visual input. The main goal was to investigate whether adding white noise, as a non-structured auditory stimulus, could enhance spatial learning and navigation in blindfolded sighted participants. Using a novel motion-tracking technology, SensFloor $$^\circledR$$ , participants completed navigation tasks under two conditions: a unisensory condition (passive proprioceptive cues only) and a multisensory condition (proprioception + white noise). We found that participants’ navigational accuracy significantly improved under the multisensory condition. While the white noise source (a speaker) was not intended as a spatial landmark, it may have supported spatial orientation by offering a stable auditory reference, possibly through mechanisms like enhanced balance or rudimentary echolocation. These findings underscore the importance of multisensory integration in spatial cognition and have significant implications for assistive technologies aimed at supporting mobility in individuals without vision.

Keywords

• White noise
• Auditory perception
• SensFloor
• Path integration
• Multisensory integration
• Navigation of blind