Sound Source Location

1. How do we locate the source of sounds?
2. What is an example of sound localization?
3. What is a sound source?
4. What are the 3 cues for sound localization?

How do we locate the source of sounds?

Humans use two important cues to help determine where a sound is coming from. These cues are: (1) which ear the sound hits first (known as interaural time differences), and (2) how loud the sound is when it reaches each ear (known as interaural intensity differences).

What is an example of sound localization?

An example of sound localization is when you are driving and hear an ambulance siren. You want to determine if it is coming near you so you can stop your vehicle if it needs to pass you. Using your auditory perceptions you can determine what direction the siren is coming from and that it is growing fainter.

What is a sound source?

Sound sources can be divided into two types, natural and man-made. Examples of natural sources are: animals, wind, flowing streams, avalanches, and volcanoes. Examples of man-made sources are: airplanes, helicopters, road vehicles, trains, explosions, factories, and home appliances such as vacuum cleaners and fans.

What are the 3 cues for sound localization?

Sound localization plays a critical role in animal survival. Three cues can be used to compute sound direction: interaural timing differences (ITDs), interaural level differences (ILDs) and the direction-dependent spectral filtering by the head and pinnae (spectral cues).