Sound, Hearing, and Ears

Flashcards based on key concepts about sound, hearing, and the anatomy of the ear.

Sound waves

Waves of changes in density (pressure) of air molecules.

Frequency

The number of cycles of a sound wave per second, perceived as pitch.

Amplitude

The height of a sound wave, perceived as loudness.

Timbre

The perceptual property of a complex sound wave that allows us to distinguish between different instruments.

Fourier analysis

A method that states any waveform may be represented as a sum of sinusoidal components with various frequencies and amplitudes.

Basilar membrane

A membrane in the cochlea that responds to different frequencies of sound.

Interaural time difference (ITD)

The difference between the times sounds reach the two ears, used to locate sound direction.

Cochlear implants

Devices that convert sound into digital signals and stimulate the auditory nerve to bypass damaged hair cells.

Otoconia

Calcium carbonate stones in the utricle and saccule involved in balance.

Vertigo

A sensation of spinning or dizziness, often caused by imbalance in the vestibular system.