Body and torso acoustics measurably shape the sound reaching the ears

Evidence

HATS are used for measuring and recording sound fields of interest that include the acoustic interaction effects with a human-like manikin. The torso produces a reflection off the shoulder (Blauert, 1983), that creates a 5 dB notch around 700 Hz, and a 20 dB shadowing effect at higher frequencies when the sound source is positioned below the torso, for example, door speakers in cars. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 1714

Categorization

• QUESTION: These body-interaction effects (5 dB notch, 20 dB shadow) are why torso-less headphone-only fixtures diverge from real listening — worth chasing how headphone makers weigh this.
• XREF: connects to: Each person’s unique ear shape requires individualized acoustic rendering for 3-D audio — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 736