Auditory detection of hollowness
1Department of Communicative Disorders and Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706, USA. lutfi@waisman.wisc.edu
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|August 25, 2001
Summary
Listeners distinguish hollow from solid bars by focusing on specific sound features. Some rely on overall sound frequency, while others use a combination of acoustic properties, demonstrating varied auditory perception strategies.
Area of Science:
- Acoustics
- Psychoacoustics
- Auditory Perception
Background:
- The physical properties of objects influence their acoustic signatures.
- Understanding how humans perceive these acoustic differences is crucial for auditory scene analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate listener strategies for distinguishing between hollow and solid bars based on synthesized sounds.
- To compare human decision-making with theoretical acoustic predictions.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized sounds of hollow and solid bars (iron, aluminum, wood) using theoretical acoustics.
- Conducted a two-interval, forced-choice listening task with varying bar lengths.
- Analyzed listener responses using regression weights to determine decision strategies based on sound partials (frequency, intensity, decay modulus).
Main Results:
- Listeners employed two primary strategies: using intrinsic acoustic relations of hollowness or relying predominantly on frequency alone.
- Decision strategies varied between listeners and could shift with changes in bar material or experimental replication.
- Observed strategies were compared to a hypothetical listener using ideal acoustic relations.
Conclusions:
- Human auditory perception of source attributes is sensitive to internal noise and variations in acoustic parameters.
- Basic limits in human sensitivity significantly impact the identification of object properties from sound.
- Listener reliance on specific acoustic cues, like frequency, can override more complex acoustic information intrinsic to the source.
Related Concept Videos
01:13The Cochlea
The cochlea is a coiled structure in the inner ear that contains hair cells—the sensory receptors of the auditory system. Sound waves are transmitted to the cochlea by small bones attached to the eardrum called the ossicles, which vibrate the oval window that leads to the inner ear. This causes fluid in the chambers of the cochlea to move, vibrating the basilar membrane.
01:16Anatomy of the Ear
Auditory sensation, commonly called hearing, involves the transformation of sonic waves into neural impulses facilitated by the structures of the auditory organ. The prominent, flesh-like structure on the side of the head, called the auricle, directs sound waves towards the auditory canal. The auricle is often mislabeled as the pinna, a term more aligned with mobile structures like a feline's external ear. The auditory canal penetrates the cranium via the external auditory meatus of the...
01:15Auditory Pathway
Auditory pathways constitute the complex neural circuits responsible for transmitting and interpreting auditory information from the peripheral auditory system to the brain. Sound waves are initially captured by the outer ear, funneled through the ear canal, and reach the tympanic membrane (eardrum). These vibrations are transmitted via the middle ear's ossicles to the inner ear's cochlea.
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking the...
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking the...
01:29Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract III: Percussion
The respiratory system, fundamental to life, consists of complex structures responsible for gas exchange. The percussion assessment is critical to understanding this system's health and functionality. This non-invasive assessment technique allows healthcare providers to evaluate the density or aeration of the lungs, thereby identifying potential abnormalities.
Percussion in Respiratory Assessment
Percussion evaluates underlying tissue composition with audible and tactile vibrations,...
Percussion in Respiratory Assessment
Percussion evaluates underlying tissue composition with audible and tactile vibrations,...
01:31Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation
In assessing respiratory abnormalities, palpation and auscultation are critical tools for detecting and interpreting various pathophysiological changes. These techniques provide insight into underlying disorders by evaluating tactile sensations and sounds produced by the respiratory system.
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
01:17Auditory Perception
The auditory system is essential for sound perception, utilizing various critical structures. When sound waves enter the outer ear, they travel through the ear canal and cause the eardrum to vibrate. These vibrations are then transmitted to the middle ear, where three tiny bones – the malleus, incus, and stapes – amplify the sound. This amplification is crucial, as it ensures that the sound vibrations are strong enough to be conveyed to the inner ear. These vibrations then reach the cochlea, a...