Description:
<jats:p>Most models of binaural processing assume identical inputs from the two ears to the binaural processing stage. From the high accuracy of binaural processing one may expect slight deviations from perfect symmetry of its inputs to affect performance. Such deviations may be systematic such as the tuning differences postulated by stereausis models. Alternatively, asymmetries may simply result from imperfections in cochlear frequency tuning or from “sloppy wiring” projecting to the binaural cells. I will analyze how different types of interaural asymmetry affect predicted performance in psychoacoustic tasks and discuss physiological evidence for imperfect symmetry of the monaural inputs.</jats:p>