Definition of Selective auditory attention
Selective auditory attention, or selective hearing, is a process of the auditory system where an individual selects or focuses on certain stimuli for auditory information processing while other stimuli are disregarded. This selection is very important as the processing and memory capabilities for humans have a limited capacity. When people use selective hearing, noise from the surrounding environment is heard by the auditory system but only certain parts of the auditory information are chosen to be processed by the brain.
Most often, auditory attention is directed at things people are most interested in hearing. Selective hearing is not a physiological disorder but rather it is the capability of most humans to block out sounds and noise. It is the notion of ignoring certain things in the surrounding environment.
Related terms
Auditory processing disorder
Auditory processing disorder (APD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting the way…
Dichotic listening
Dichotic listening is a psychological test commonly used to investigate selective…
Reverse correlation function
A reverse correlation function, also known as a revcor function, is an impulse response…
Listening
Listening is the act of paying attention to sounds. While often described as attention…
Binaural fusion
Binaural fusion or binaural integration is a cognitive process that involves the…
Binaural unmasking
Binaural unmasking is phenomenon of auditory perception where the brain combines…
Evolution of mammalian auditory ossicles
The evolution of mammalian auditory ossicles was an evolutionary process that resulted…
Cocktail party effect
The cocktail party effect is a phenomenon wherein the brain focuses a person's attention…
Auditory cortex
The auditory cortex is the part of the temporal lobe that processes auditory information…
Frequently asked questions
What is Selective auditory attention?
Selective auditory attention, or selective hearing, is a process of the auditory system where an individual selects or focuses on certain stimuli for auditory information processing while other stimuli are disregarded.