Wize University Psychology Textbook > Sensation & Perception
Sound Localization
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Sound Localization
Similar to visual cues for depth, we have auditory cues for sound localization that are monaural (one ear) or binaural (two ears).
Monaural cues
Median localization - When sound waves hit the outer ear (pinna), the shape of the outer ear changes the wave just slightly.
This helps us locate where a sound is coming from - above, below, or at ear level.
Binaural cues
Binaural cues help us determine whether a sound is coming from our left or our right.
Interaural time differences - sound arrives at the closer ear first.
Interaural level differences - sound arrives at the closer ear louder because the head blocks the other ear.
Practice: Sound Localization
Tina hears a sound that is much louder in her left ear than her right. The sound is coming from: