Question

When people hear a sound, they can tell its location. For example, after hearing a whistle blown, a person could tell you whether the sound originated from his or her right or left side. Likewise, a person could tell you whether the sound came from above or below him or her. How can humans do this? Explain how humans are able to locate where a sound is coming from.

Answer 1

Answer:

Intensity and Timing differences between the two ears-->(Horizontal dimension) for determining that sound comes from left or right

Different frequency profile-->(Vertical dimension) for determining that sound comes from  up or down

Explanation:

The human brain has tons of functions and abilities. Our brain and ear could locate the source of the sound with the extreme precision, it happens within 2 degrees of space.  

I) First of all about the determining left or right side. There are 2 cues: 1) Each sound have the amplitude which is vary from the low to high loudness levels so our left and right ears will get different loudness from that sound and will be able to locate easily. 2) Timing difference is very important because the sound which is processing can go earlier to one ear than another so initial acceptor ear will be prove for the localization of the sound.

II) Now about determining up or down side. Our brain has third cue about this point. Our brain has different frequency profile on our head and this is caused by the external ear (pinna) and size of our head. The interaction of pinna and our size of head will let to determine, so pinna could collect the sound and moreover, it can change the frequency profile of the sound then it will be clear that certain frequencies will differ certainly from some others which are attenuated or doubtful.