Neural processing of natural sounds

The auditory system is finely tuned to the unique statistical structure of natural sounds. In this Review, Theunissen and Elie discuss how specific neurons found at the higher levels of the auditory system respond selectively to perceptually salient sounds such as vocalizations used in communication. We might be forced to listen to a high-frequency tone at our audiologist's office or we might enjoy falling asleep with a white-noise machine, but...