The Sense of Hearing

Book excerpt: The Sense of Hearing is a truly accessible introduction to auditory perception that is intended for students approaching the subject for the first time, and as a foundation for more advanced study. The second edition has been thoroughly revised throughout, and included new chapters on music, hearing impairment, and a new appendix describing research methodologies. In clear and authoritative prose, the fundamental aspects of hearing are addressed. The reader is introduced to the nature of sound and the spectrum, and the anatomy and physiology of the auditory system. Basic auditory processes including frequency selectivity, loudness and pitch perception, temporal resolution, and sound localization are explained. The reader is led to an understanding of the remarkable abilities of the auditory system in a systematic and coherent way. In subsequent chapters, it is shown how complex processes, such as perceptual organization, speech perception, and music perception, are dependent on the initial analysis that occurs when sounds enter the ear. Finally, a chapter on hearing impairment provides an introduction to disorders of the auditory system. The text benefits from 162 original illustrations, including uncluttered diagrams that illuminate auditory mechanisms. An extensive glossary provides definitions of technical terms. The emphasis is on explanation and clarity of style throughout, making The Sense of Hearing an essential resource for students and educators involved in this sometimes challenging field.