What are the 3 cues for sound localization?

Sound source localization is paramount for comfort of life, determining the position of a sound source in 3 dimensions: azimuth, height and distance. It is based on 3 types of cue: 2 binaural (interaural time difference and interaural level difference) and 1 monaural spectral cue (head-related transfer function).

Why is sound localization important?

Localization is the ability to tell the direction of a sound source in a 3-D space. The ability to localize sounds provides a more natural and comfortable listening experience. It is also important for safety reasons such as to avoid oncoming traffic, an approaching cyclist on a running path, or a falling object.

What are the two main mechanisms used for sound localization in humans?

A. Many mammals, including humans, make use of the two binaural cues, ITD and ILD, to perform sound localization with an accuracy of just a few degrees (15, 19). Brain mechanisms underpinning such accuracy have been the subject of investigation since at least the middle of the 19th century.

When does the localisation of sound become less precise?

Localisation occurs mainly on primary sound sources which dominate the auditory environment. It becomes less precise when multiple sound sources are superimposed, and when reverberations create second sources.

What is the purpose of sound localization in the auditory system?

Sound localization by the human auditory system Sound localization is the process of determining the location of a sound source. Objectively speaking, the major goal of sound localization is to simulate a specific sound field, including the acoustic sources, the listener, the media and environments of sound propagation.

What does it mean to have impaired sound localization?

Patients with cortical lesions can have impaired sound localization for the sound field contralateral to the lesion and also with sound localization in the vertical plane. Enrique A. Lopez-Poveda, in Development of Auditory and Vestibular Systems, 2014 Sound localization refers to our ability to identify the direction of a sound source.

How is spatial release related to sound localization?

Understanding of relevant spatial cues and low-level mechanisms gained from ongoing research will lead to enhanced processing schemes for hearing aids and cochlear implants that will benefit both localization and spatial release.