1. The Auditory Sense: Hearing
EQ: What is the process though which we hear and how do we differentiate between sounds?

2. Step 1: Accessory Structures of Hearing
Sounds (A repetitive fluctuation in the pressure of a medium, such as air) are what we hear.
The Pinna, in effect, guides the sound down the Ear Canal to the Tympanic Membrane

3. Focus on the Tympanic Membrane

4. Step 2: Receptor Structures of Hearing
Transduction in the ear takes place in the Cochlea.
The Cochlea can expand and contract in order to differentiate the sound(s) being passed into it.

5. Focus on the Basilar Membrane
(corti)

6. Step 3: Sensory Nerves of Hearing
Once the information has been coded during transduction, the information travels up the auditory nerve to the Thalamus.

7. Steps 4/5: Sensory Nerves of Hearing
Once in the Thalamus, the neural impulse is sent to the Primary Auditory Cortex within the temporal lobe
Within this structure, the neural impulse is decoded (Perceived) and decisions based on behavior occur

8. Sensing Loudness: A loud sound has a higher amplitude
The further the distance between the peak and baseline, the louder the sound (amplitude)
We can measure how loud a sound is in decibels (db)

9. Sensing Pitch:
Pitch refers to the frequency of sound waves measured in hertz
The shorter the wavelength, the higher the frequency (pitch)
The longer the wavelength, the lower the frequency(pitch)

10. Sensing Timbre: Timbre is the quality of a sound
It is determined by the frequency and amplitudes of a sound
The best quality of timbre comes from naturally heard sounds

11. Deafness:
Deafness can be caused by several issues within the sense of hearing.
While some forms of deafness can be treated, others are permanent

12. Conduction Deafness: The most common form of deafness
Caused when the three inner bones (Malleus, Incus, Stapes) of the ear fuse
Can be treated through hearing aids

13. Nerve Deafness:
Caused by damage to the auditory nerve or the Cortical Cells
Can be treated through Cochlear implants

14. Temporal Lobe Deafness:
Caused by damage to the temporal lobe
Cannot be treated