Which frequency effect is related to the head shadow effect?

The head shadow effect is primarily associated with high frequency attenuation. This phenomenon occurs because higher frequency sounds have shorter wavelengths and are more easily obstructed by the head. When a sound originates from one side of a listener, the head creates a “shadow” for high frequency sounds, making them less intense when they reach the ear on the opposite side. This difference in sound intensity helps individuals localize sound sources.

In contrast, lower frequency sounds have longer wavelengths and are less affected by the head’s mass, allowing them to bend around the head more easily and reach both ears with similar intensity. Thus, the correct response emphasizes the attenuation of high frequency sounds due to the interference created by the head, which is an essential concept in understanding how humans perceive the direction of sounds in their environment.