Binaural fusion
Binaural Fusion
Binaural fusion (pronunciation: /baɪˈnɔːrəl ˈfjuːʒən/) is a term used in audiology and neuroscience to describe the process by which the human brain combines or 'fuses' sounds heard by both ears into a single perceptual entity. This process is crucial for sound localization and for understanding speech in noisy environments.
Etymology
The term 'binaural fusion' is derived from the Latin words 'bini' meaning 'two' and 'auris' meaning 'ear', and the Latin 'fusio' meaning 'a pouring out, melting, casting'. Thus, it literally translates to 'two ears melting together', which metaphorically describes the process of combining auditory inputs from both ears.
Process
Binaural fusion begins in the cochlea, where sound waves are converted into electrical signals. These signals are then sent to the auditory nerve, which carries them to the brainstem. Here, the signals from both ears are combined and processed in a way that allows us to perceive the location and distance of sounds. This is achieved through the detection of slight differences in the time and intensity of sounds reaching each ear, known as interaural time differences and interaural level differences respectively.
Related Terms
- Monaural: Pertaining to one ear. In contrast to binaural hearing, monaural hearing involves the use of only one ear.
- Dichotic listening: A psychological test commonly used in experiments that study binaural fusion and auditory processing.
- Cocktail party effect: The ability to focus one's auditory attention on a particular stimulus while filtering out a range of other stimuli, often used as an example of the necessity of binaural fusion in everyday life.
- Auditory system: The sensory system for the sense of hearing. It includes the ears and its internal structures, the auditory nerve, and the brain areas involved in processing and interpreting sound.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Binaural fusion
- Wikipedia's article - Binaural fusion
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