Sound localization

The ability to identify the direction and distance of a sound source, relying on cues such as interaural time differences, intensity differences, and spectral filtering by the outer ear. Sound localization is critical for spatial awareness, safety, and immersive experiences in virtual reality. For Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, the loss of spatial audio information creates accessibility barriers that can be addressed through sensory substitution techniques like haptic or visual directional cues.