Localization Accuracy

Our ability to detect changes in localization or lateralization is not absolute. Experimentally, it is measured as the minimum audible angle, but is also called localization blur. The minimum audible angle can be determined for both horizontal and vertical directions. Spatially, our most acute sense of localization is directly in front (0° azimuth). In fact, in that position we have a maximum accuracy of 1 degree. Localization blur does vary with signal parameters, and more typical frontal accuracy is within 5 degrees. The minimum audible angle increases as sounds are moved towards the axis of the ears, where it reaches an overall maximum of +/-10 degrees.

See also: Binaural, Interaural Cross-Correlation Coefficient, Interaural Level Difference.