All sound locations sharing one ITD form an infinite cone of confusion

Evidence

Again assuming a spherical, pinnae-less head, there would be a 3D conical surface extending out of each ear that represents the same ITD on the surface (Mills, 1972). Figure 7–4 illustrates this surface, which is called the cone of confusion, and it should be thought of as extending infinitely into space. The ITD is a relative feature of sound (i.e., it is a difference, not an absolute), and sounds originating from a variety of locations could be perceived as being in the same location. The location of any sound on the cone of confusion could be confused with all other sound locations on that surface. — Jennifer Lentz, Psychoacoustics- Perception of Normal…, 1472

Categorization

• DEFINE: Introduces the cone of confusion concept central to localization limits.