This simulated bottom view of the head of Cuvier's Beaked Whale suggests that mid-frequency active sonar sounds are largely filtered before reaching the animal's ears.

SAN DIEGO (Apr. 15, 2009) This simulated bottom view of the head of Cuvier's Beaked Whale is pointing to generalized pathways or "rivers" of sound passing in front, underneath the jaws (magenta), through the fat body (yellow), and to the ears (red). The simulated model, developed by Dr. Ted Cranford's team at San Diego State University and the University of California at San Diego, suggests that mid-frequency active sonar sounds are largely filtered before reaching the animal's ears. (Photo Illustration courtesy of Dr. Ted Cranford) File# 090415-O-9999C-001