A Paradigm Shift for Modelling Sound Sensation

How do we describe the exemplary acuity of humans to analyze and respond to sounds, particularly to music? Is our current knowledge sufficient to produce working computational models for such sensations? Has our perspective for the conceptual structure of such models changed and why is this important? This work attempts to provide brief answers to these questions, focusing on a recent comprehensive model of binaural listening which is directed towards engineering applications in audio and acoustics [1]. It is also discussed how such model can formally approach the concepts of quality and fidelity in sounds and how it may be employed to demystify experienced listener and audiophile perception. A brief discussion of the conceptual and philosophical implications of such a model is also given.