Abstract: In natural environments,human and animals percept auditory signal or sound environment by analyzing and integrating binaural sound information through the auditory system and then make their decisions. The present paper reviewed the research progress regarding the neural mechanism of binaural information integration in the brain within the last 60 years. The anatomical basis of binaural information processing,the classification and response properties of binaural neurons,and the topographic distribution of binaural neurons in the central auditory system were reviewed. Research progress and several models regarding the mechanism of binaural information processing,including the neural coding for binaural time difference and binaural level difference in the superior olive complex,inferior colliculus and auditory cortex were discussed.Future study directions on the binaural processing mechanism were also suggested.

Key words: binaural time difference, binaural level difference, superior olivary complex, inferior colliculus, auditory cortex