The Ear, Perception & Psychoacoustics Flashcards
Define Transducers in terms of Ears
The equivalent to the diaphragm in a microphone in the human ear is the tympanic membrane or eardrum
Dynamic microphones typically include:
a step-up transformer
which increases the voltage, impedance with the consequence of
reducing the current
the auditory ossicles
step up the force of
mechanical vibrations before interaction with the higher
impedance, liquid-filled inner ear
AURICLE/PINNA
The visible part
of the outer ear in which sound waves first cascade against.
Rear Helix
Create a high frequency “shadow” from the rear, assisting humans in localizing sounds.
TRAGUS
Deflects sounds coming from behind using a time delay. This feature is hyper-exaggerated in bats.
CONCHA
the final funnel before the ear canal.
Concha part II
It is responsible for the majority of the funneling amplification of
the pinna
Concha Part III
This is horn/cone amplitude intensification which comes with some coloration of the sound spectrum received.
Lobules (ear lobes)
Not critical to hearing function. Do assist in cooling the head.
Ear canal
contain earwax that prevent infection. Hairs that prevent bugs from entering the ear.
Ear canal part II
Is tapered to amplify sound wave & about 2.5cm long
What ear parts filter sounds to amplify certain frequencies?
Ear canal and Pinna.
Tympanic Membrane (eardrum)
Thin,
concave cone which is the
point where variations in air
pressure are transduced
into mechanical vibrations
The Fulcrum Effect.
The malleus (hammer) and
incus (anvil) act as a fulcrum,
increasing the force of the
mechanical vibrations
received by the eardrum while
the amplitude of these
vibrations is decreased
