Auditory Perception

Learn how humans perceive auditory stimuli.

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Auditory perception is the ability to perceive and detect sounds in the surrounding environment using the auditory system. Ears detect sounds as vibrations through a medium. The medium can be air, water, glass, wood, etc.

Characteristics of sounds

Humans can differentiate between sounds on the basis of the following characteristics:

  • Pitch: The number of vibrations of sound waves per unit of time, also known as the frequency of the sound waves. Higher frequency means higher pitch, and lower frequency means lower pitch.
  • Loudness: The expansion and compression experienced by the vibrating particles of the medium, also known as the amplitude of the sound waves. Higher amplitude means louder sound and lower amplitude means quieter sound.
  • Timber: The tone quality or tone color that differentiates two sounds of the same frequency and amplitude.
Frequency
Amplitude

Auditory localization

Auditory localization is the ability to locate or identify the origin or location of a sound. Humans detect locations by comparing the sounds coming into both ears. Time difference and loudness are the key factors in locating the sound. For example, a sound coming from your right side will enter your right ear earlier than the left, and loudness will be higher on the right side.

In order to better demonstrate human auditory perception, let’s listen to this audio. This audio creates an illusion. You will feel like you are sitting in a barber shop with the barber moving around you and cutting your hair.

Note: Please use earphones for a better demonstration. Close your eyes and enjoy your virtual haircut. We hope you like it.

Audio source= "https://www.all-about-psychology.com/media-files/virtual-barber-shop.mp3"

Note: The ear is not the only organ that can detect sounds. Some sounds can be perceived by other parts of the body as well. Low-frequency and loud sounds can be perceived through the sense of touch as vibrations. An example of this idea being implemented in new technology is Soundshirt, a shirt with haptic technology and the most advanced smart textiles that brings music to life allowing the wearer to feel the music on their skin.