Objective Measures of Neural Processing of Interaural Time Differences

We assessed neural sensitivity to interaural time differences (ITDs) conveyed in the temporal fine structure (TFS) of low-frequency sounds and ITDs conveyed in the temporal envelope of amplitude-modulated (AM'ed) high-frequency sounds. Using electroencephalography (EEG), we recorded brain activity to sounds in which the interaural phase difference (IPD) of the TFS (or the modulated temporal envelope) was repeatedly switched between leading in one ear or the other. When the amplitude of the tones is modulated equally in the two ears at 41 Hz, the interaural phase modulation (IPM) evokes an IPM following-response (IPM-FR) in the EEG signal. For low-frequency signals, IPM-FRs were reliably obtained, and largest for an IPM rate of 6.8 Hz and when IPD switches (around 0°) were in the range 45-90°. IPDs conveyed in envelope of high-frequency tones also generated IPM-FRs; response maxima occurred for IPDs switched between 0° and 180° IPD. This is consistent with the interpretation that distinct binaural mechanisms generate the IPM-FR at low and high frequencies, and with the reported physiological responses of medial superior olive (MSO) and lateral superior olive (LSO) neurons in other mammals. Low-frequency binaural neurons in the MSO are considered maximally activated by IPDs in the range 45-90°, consistent with their reception of excitatory inputs from both ears. High-frequency neurons in the LSO receive excitatory and inhibitory input from the two ears receptively--as such maximum activity occurs when the sounds at the two ears are presented out of phase.