The ability of inferior colliculus neurons to signal differences in interaural delay

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.241513998
• Publication Date: 2002-07-26T14:35:07Z
• Authors: Bernt C. Skottun; Trevor M. Shackleton; Robert H. Arnott; Alan R. Palmer
• Keywords: Interaural time difference; Inferior Colliculi

Sound localization in humans depends largely on interaural time delay (ITD). The ability to discriminate differences ITD is highly accurate. discrimination (Δ ITD) thresholds, under some circumstances, are as low 10–20 μs. It has been assumed that thresholds this could only be obtained if the outputs from many neurons were combined. Here we use Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis compute neuronal Δ 53 cells inferior colliculus guinea pigs. of single range several hundreds μs down 20–30 lowest single-cell comparable human determined with similar stimuli. This finding suggests accurate sound observers consistent resolution and need not reflect combined activity neurons.