Computational Models of Binaural Processing

Computational modeling has a central role in understanding the mechanisms behind experimental observations. This chapter describes how models of binaural processing are used for simulating the activity of binaural neurons in animals and for predicting relevant auditory perception in humans. The main aim here is to bring the reader into the position to understand and differentiate between existing model concepts. This chapter first presents the necessary tool kit for understanding key auditory-processing concepts in a formal way that forms the basis of modeling. Thereafter, various modeling approaches for simulating binaural neurons are reviewed, ranging from complex biophysical models to highly simplified functional descriptions. There is then a focus on models of binaural perception such as interaural difference discrimination, binaural unmasking, and lateralization. More abstract aspects of computational approaches, including the goals of auditory modeling, categorization of physiological and functional models, and current challenges of binaural models are also discussed.