Mechanisms of sound localization in mammals: ageing, dynamics and adaption

Many mammals assess the differences in timing and level of sounds at the two ears in order to determine the azimuthal location of a sound source. These binaural cues play an important role in the ability of animals, including humans, to orient and communicate. Since the auditory scene is not static and the brain is also subject to developmental changes, neural plasticity constitutes a crucial factor enabling adaptation to a modified acoustic environment. My thesis comprises three studies, employing different techniques in three mammalian species, in which I provide evidence that adaptation constitutes a unifying principle of the mammalian auditory pathways encoding sound localisation. I demonstrate that binaural localisation cues underlie constant dynamic control, enabling adaptation over time frames from milliseconds to weeks, and that accuracy of sound localisation deteriorates during the ageing process.

Level thesis:degree_level

thesis.doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher

Universität Oldenburg

Year

2008

Author dc:creator

• Maier, Julia

• [Keine Schlagwörter von Autor/in vergeben.]

Repository record source_url

http://oops.uni-oldenburg.de/744

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:oops.uni-oldenburg.de:744