Advanced auditory processing is a distinct characteristic of mammals. Although other animals such as birds also use sophisticated auditory information, mammals have refined vocal expression as a means for social inference – continually updating information on the status and locations of the group members. Our subspecies of primates ran with this and evolved mid-range auditory signals into a complex information transmission medium. The demand this places on the sensory apparatus far outweighs the underlying auditory function of spatial awareness of the surroundings, which is also a foundational attribute of our evolutionary success.
Our urban setting and technologies offer a diminished scope for auditory inputs – much of our sound originates from our devices or enclosed built surroundings. Consequently, auditory processing exercises can be effective for extending our complex and sophisticated auditory sensing – a significant portion of our high-level brain.
Description of the Exercise:
- The outline line of this exercise is to attempt to locate the origin of a sound with eyes closed.
- The sound source is triggered from a random location around the head.
- Then the sound origin is pointed to with the eyes.
- The eyes are then opened to verify the location.
- Repeat from multiple locations around the head.
- Stop the exercise before the accuracy decreases significantly (fatigue).
The characteristics of the sound are quite important. Mid-frequency short sharp bursts of sound are better. I have found that a brass Snap Hook makes an effective sound.
If the exercise is found to be too challenging to do standing, try doing it sitting down, on all fours, or lying supine.