This paper describes a quantitative model for binaural processing in the auditory system. To overcome shortcomings of several proposed models, a monaural stage is employed for signal preprocessing [Dau et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 99, 3615–3622 (1996)], which is able to simulate a large variety of monaural detection data. A binaural processing stage is added following Durlach’s EC model which is also a simple functional unit with a small set of constant parameters unit. The decision algorithm for both the monaural and the binaural channel is realized as an optimal detector in the same way as described in the monaural model. In the simulations the whole adaptive measurement procedure with the actual signals is realized. The model describes both monaural as well as binaural thresholds. The typical binaural masking experiments with the following stimulus parameters and their combinations were examined: signal frequency, signal duration, masker bandwidth, interaural masker and signal phase, interaural masker correlation, and delay in simultaneous and forward masking conditions. The model describes the experimental data with an accuracy of a few dB with some exceptions. Model predictions are discussed and compared to the performance of human observers and to predictions of other binaural models.

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