auditory localization

auditory localization

the ability to identify the position and changes in position of sound sources based on acoustic information. When sounds are presented through headphones, the acoustic image usually appears to originate within the head and lacks the three-dimensional quality of real sound sources. The image can be lateralized on a left–right dimension (auditory lateralization)—that is, toward the left or right ear—but not localized in external space. Also called sound localization.