What is the term for the ability to identify the source of a sound?

The term for the ability to identify the source of a sound is auditory discrimination. Auditory discrimination refers to the capacity to recognize differences in sounds, including where they come from. It plays a critical role in how individuals process auditory information and is crucial for tasks such as music therapy, where distinguishing between different instruments or vocal pitches can influence therapeutic outcomes.

Sound identification is a broader term that may involve recognizing previously heard sounds, but it does not specifically focus on the spatial aspect of sound localization. Sound perception generally relates to how sounds are interpreted and understood but does not specifically emphasize the identification of sound sources. Auditory processing refers to the brain's ability to make sense of sounds, which encompasses various skills, including auditory discrimination. However, it is not limited specifically to identifying sound sources. Therefore, auditory discrimination is the most precise term to describe the ability to identify where a sound originates.