9. Hearing: physiology and
psychoacoustics
s = sound; ° = tion, = = is/are; w/ = with; cc = cognitive/cognition; w = wave; envt =
environment; dvpt = development; OE = outer ear; ME = middle ear; IE = inner ear; mvt
= movement; hc = hair cells; AN = auditory nerve
Notes: this chapter has a few very short parts. That is why they are small in my
summary, this is not because I skipped too much information. Moreover, most parts are
about anatomy and therefore mainly consist in definitions and pictures in the textbook.
Many of the included pictures, schemes and graphs are from the textbook (same goes
for the links and animations) and may therefore be relevant for the exam. Enjoy 😊
The function of hearing
Many fundamental principles in hearing apply to all of the senses. This chapter covers the basics of
hearing. [The rest of that part only introduces the structure of the chapter.]
Tip: Web activity https://oup-arc.com/access/content/sensation-and-perception-5e-student-resources/
sensation-and-perception-5e-activity-9-1?previousFilter=tag_activities (“What We Hear”).
What is sound?
Sounds = created when objects vibrate. Vibration causes molecules to vibrate as well wave. Speed of
sound through air = 340 meters per second. Speed depends on the medium (water slower).
Sound is a wave (different pressure zones in the air)
Basic qualities of sound waves: frequency and amplitude
Amplitude or intensity = magnitude of displacement (increase or decrease) of a sound pressure wave.
Amplitude is perceived as loudness.
Frequency = number of times per second that a pattern of pressure change repeats. Frequency is
perceived as pitch.
psychoacoustics
s = sound; ° = tion, = = is/are; w/ = with; cc = cognitive/cognition; w = wave; envt =
environment; dvpt = development; OE = outer ear; ME = middle ear; IE = inner ear; mvt
= movement; hc = hair cells; AN = auditory nerve
Notes: this chapter has a few very short parts. That is why they are small in my
summary, this is not because I skipped too much information. Moreover, most parts are
about anatomy and therefore mainly consist in definitions and pictures in the textbook.
Many of the included pictures, schemes and graphs are from the textbook (same goes
for the links and animations) and may therefore be relevant for the exam. Enjoy 😊
The function of hearing
Many fundamental principles in hearing apply to all of the senses. This chapter covers the basics of
hearing. [The rest of that part only introduces the structure of the chapter.]
Tip: Web activity https://oup-arc.com/access/content/sensation-and-perception-5e-student-resources/
sensation-and-perception-5e-activity-9-1?previousFilter=tag_activities (“What We Hear”).
What is sound?
Sounds = created when objects vibrate. Vibration causes molecules to vibrate as well wave. Speed of
sound through air = 340 meters per second. Speed depends on the medium (water slower).
Sound is a wave (different pressure zones in the air)
Basic qualities of sound waves: frequency and amplitude
Amplitude or intensity = magnitude of displacement (increase or decrease) of a sound pressure wave.
Amplitude is perceived as loudness.
Frequency = number of times per second that a pattern of pressure change repeats. Frequency is
perceived as pitch.
