Neural Coding of Sound Location

Abstract

A sound presented in space can usually be located with some accuracy by experienced humans and trained animals. The experimental determination of sound localization acuity usually requires that a human or animal subject makes a motor response (such as pointing), an adjustment, or a movement toward the apparent source of a sound. The definition of sound localization implicit in this account incorporates the motor response, in addition to any conscious awareness associated with that response. The survival value of the motor response is particularly important for those species using sound as a primary means for locating prey or predators; for these species, sound localization may be the main function of the auditory system. For others, the sound localizing ability of the auditory system may act in part as an adjunct to the visual system by facilitating eye, head, and pinna movements toward the source of the sound.