Sound & Hearing

This book examines the science of hearing through the lenses of physics, biology, and psychology, providing a comprehensive understanding of auditory perception.

The primary objective of Sound & Hearing is to explore how scientists investigate the phenomenon of hearing, which encompasses three distinct disciplines: the physics of sound, the neural processes in the brain, and the psychology behind auditory perception. Each of these fields contributes uniquely to our understanding of how we experience sound. The interplay of these disciplines creates a comprehensive framework for examining what hearing truly entails.

Sound & Hearing delves into the physics involved in sound sources and how sound travels through various mediums. It also examines the anatomy and physiology that transform these physical sounds into neural signals within the brain. Furthermore, the psychological aspects of hearing are addressed, helping to elucidate how we interpret and make sense of the sounds around us. By integrating these perspectives, the book provides a holistic view of the auditory experience.

Over the past decade, this text has been refined to effectively communicate scientific thinking about sound and its perception to students who may not have a strong background in science. It minimizes the use of complex mathematics while maintaining scientific accuracy. Additionally, a supplementary compact disc is included, featuring over 20 acoustic demonstrations that enrich the learning experience, making the concepts discussed in Sound & Hearing more tangible and engaging for readers.