Summarize What Happens When We Hear

question 167

Essay

Summarize what happens when we hear.
-The frequency and amplitude of sound waves produce our perceptions of pitch and loudness of sounds.
-When sounds enter the ear,they move the ear drum,which sets in motion the ossicles.The last of these,the stirrup,vibrates the oval window,setting into motion fluid in the cochlea.Hair cells on the basilar membrane in the cochlea transduce movements along the basilar membrane into neural signals the brain can interpret.
-Frequency theory suggests that patterns in the firing rates of the neurons are perceived as different sounds.Place theory suggests that information from different locations along the basilar membrane is related to different qualities of sound.
-Top-down processing lets us use the general loudness of sounds,as well as differences in the signals received from each ear,to determine location of a sound.
-Different pitches are represented in a tonotopic map in the auditory cortex of the brain.Association areas of the cortex help us recognize familiar sounds,including speech.
-The brain integrates information from multiple sensory systems to enable the appropriate recognition and response to stimuli.Some people experience an overlap of sensory systems,known as synesthesia.
-As young children,we experience a sensitive period during which it is especially easy for us to learn auditory information,including language and music.Some people,particularly those exposed to pure tones during this sensitive period,develop absolute pitch.
-Common hearing problems include hearing loss and deafness,as well as hearing unwanted sounds,such as tinnitus.

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