Sound localization: Jeffress and beyond

Many animals use the interaural time differences (ITDs) to locate the source of low frequency sounds. The place coding theory proposed by Jeffress has long been a dominant model to account for the neural mechanisms of ITD detection. Recent research, however, suggests a wider range of strategies for ITD coding in the binaural auditory brainstem. We discuss how ITD is coded in avian, mammalian, and reptilian nervous systems, and review underlying synaptic and cellular properties that enable precise temporal computation. The latest advances in recording and analysis techniques provide powerful tools for both overcoming and utilizing the large field potentials in these nuclei.

► New theories have emerged to describe neural coding of interaural time differences.
► Birds, mammals, and lizards use various coding strategies for locating sound.
► Nevertheless, the underlying synaptic and cellular properties are very similar.
► Advanced techniques enable overcoming and utilizing the large field potentials.