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Hearing

Hearing

When we hear a sound, our nervous system is detecting sound waves—pressure waves of mechanical energy traveling through a medium. The frequency of the wave is perceived as pitch, while the amplitude is perceived as loudness.

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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...

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The human ear is not equally sensitive to all frequencies in the audible range. It may perceive sound waves with the same pressure but different frequencies as having different loudness. Moreover, the perception of sound waves depends on the health of an individual's ears, which decays with age. The health of one's ears may also be affected by regular exposure to loud noises.
The pitch of a sound depends on the frequency and the pressure amplitude of the source. Two sounds of the same frequency...

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The Auditory Ossicles

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The aptly named stapes look very much like a stirrup. The three ossicles are unique to mammals, and each plays a role in...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Published on: January 25, 2016

The master hearing aid.

James R Curran¹, Jason A Galster

¹1Starkey Hearing Technologies, Eden Prairie, MN, USA.

Trends in Amplification

|May 21, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The Master Hearing Aid (MHA) has evolved significantly since the 1930s, influencing modern hearing aid fitting techniques. Its history reveals how early simulation devices shaped current audiology practices.

Keywords:

audiology hearing aid master hearing aid

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Area of Science:

Audiology
Hearing Science
Medical Device History

Background:

The Master Hearing Aid (MHA) was initially a desktop system used for hearing aid fitting since the 1930s.
MHAs allowed simulated or actual adjustments to hearing aid components, altering their response.
The MHA has undergone numerous transformations and influenced various hearing aid fitting rationales over time.

Observation:

Early MHAs faced criticism, with some viewing them as inappropriate for demonstrating hearing aids.
The superior audio quality of some MHA systems compared to actual hearing aids was a common concern.
These perceptions and the device's evolution impacted how hearing aids and fitting techniques are viewed today.

Findings:

This article traces the historical development of the Master Hearing Aid.
It examines the MHA's substantial influence on the methodologies and rationales for fitting hearing aids.
The evolution of MHA technology and its perception are linked to modern hearing aid fitting practices.

Implications:

Understanding the MHA's history provides context for current hearing aid fitting protocols.
The evolution of simulation technology continues to shape audiological practices.
Historical perspectives on audiological devices are crucial for advancing hearing healthcare.