The singular perception of two different signals presented to each ear simultaneously is known as what?

The term that describes the singular perception of two different signals presented to each ear simultaneously is known as binaural fusion. This phenomenon occurs when the brain processes audio signals from both ears, allowing for the integration of the distinct sounds into one cohesive auditory experience. Binaural fusion enables listeners to perceive sounds more clearly and accurately, as the auditory system combines the information received from each ear to form a unified auditory scene.

In the context of hearing aids, understanding binaural fusion is important as it informs how devices can be configured to balance and blend sounds, particularly in complicated listening environments. This is crucial for speech understanding and overall sound perception, highlighting the benefits of using two hearing aids for individuals with hearing loss, as they can more effectively utilize binaural fusion compared to using just one device.

Other terms, such as binaural summation, sound localization, and the head shadow effect, refer to different auditory phenomena and do not adequately describe the integration of separate signals into a single perception as binaural fusion does.