The Auditory System and Human Sound-Source Localization

The auditory system enables us to hear and interpret sounds by capturing sound waves through the ears. These waves are converted into electrical signals that travel to the brain. Human sound-source localization—the ability to identify where a sound originates—is achieved by comparing subtle differences in the timing and loudness of sounds arriving at each ear. The brain processes these cues to determine the direction and distance of sound sources, allowing us to navigate and respond to our environment effectively. This complex system integrates auditory signals with other sensory information to create our perception of sound in space.