The Sense of Hearing
Second Edition
📘 About This Book
The Sense of Hearing is a truly accessible introduction to auditory perception that is intended for students approaching the subject for the first time, and as a foundation for more advanced study. The second edition has been thoroughly revised throughout, and included new chapters on music, hearing impairment, and a new appendix describing research methodologies. In clear and authoritative prose, the fundamental aspects of hearing are addressed. The reader is introduced to the nature of sound and the spectrum, and the anatomy and physiology of the auditory system. Basic auditory processes including frequency selectivity, loudness and pitch perception, temporal resolution, and sound localization are explained. The reader is led to an understanding of the remarkable abilities of the auditory system in a systematic and coherent way. In subsequent chapters, it is shown how complex processes, such as perceptual organization, speech perception, and music perception, are dependent on the initial analysis that occurs when sounds enter the ear. Finally, a chapter on hearing impairment provides an introduction to disorders of the auditory system. The text benefits from 162 original illustrations, including uncluttered diagrams that illuminate auditory mechanisms. An extensive glossary provides definitions of technical terms. The emphasis is on explanation and clarity of style throughout, making The Sense of Hearing an essential resource for students and educators involved in this sometimes challenging field.
📖 Summary
Christopher J. Plack’s The Sense of Hearing serves as an exceptionally thorough and accessible gateway into the intricate world of auditory perception. Designed primarily for students approaching the discipline for the very first time, the book also functions as a robust foundational stepping stone for more advanced academic study in psychology, neuroscience, and related fields. Across its carefully structured pages, the text demystifies the biological and cognitive mechanisms that allow human beings to experience the auditory landscape. The second edition brings the material fully up to date, incorporating thorough revisions alongside entirely new chapters dedicated to the complexities of music, the realities of hearing impairment, and a practical appendix detailing essential research methodologies. The journey through the book begins by establishing a firm grounding in the physical nature of sound and the frequency spectrum. Plack explains how sound waves travel through the environment and how these physical vibrations are translated into psychological experiences. From there, the text transitions into the intricate anatomy and physiology of the human auditory system. Readers are guided through the outer, middle, and inner ear, exploring how sound is captured, amplified, and eventually converted into neural signals that the brain can interpret. Building upon this anatomical foundation, the book delves deeply into basic auditory processes. Plack clearly elucidates phenomena such as frequency selectivity, how we perceive loudness and pitch, the mechanisms behind temporal resolution, and the remarkable ways in which our brains achieve sound localization. These core chapters reveal the astonishing capabilities of the auditory system, showing how the brain manages to make sense of a chaotic and noisy world by isolating distinct streams of information, parsing complex environments, and interpreting spatial cues with remarkable precision. Later sections of the volume expand the scope beyond basic psychoacoustics to address real-world applications and specialized topics. The newly introduced chapters on music provide fascinating insights into how the brain processes harmony, melody, and rhythm, bridging the gap between everyday auditory perception and artistic appreciation. Meanwhile, the exploration of hearing impairment offers critical clinical context, shedding light on the various ways the auditory pathway can break down and how science seeks to address these challenges. Finally, the research methodologies appendix equips aspiring scientists with the practical knowledge needed to study hearing in a laboratory setting. Written in clear, authoritative prose, The Sense of Hearing bridges the gap between hard science and psychological inquiry, making a complex subject comprehensible and deeply engaging for any curious reader.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Written in clear and authoritative prose that avoids unnecessary jargon.
Serves as both a beginner introduction and a foundation for advanced study.
Includes updated chapters on relevant topics like music and hearing impairment.
Features a practical appendix detailing research methodologies.
⚠️ Cons
May require supplementary materials for readers seeking advanced clinical depth.
Focuses heavily on biological and psychological mechanisms rather than purely philosophical aspects of sound.
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of The Sense of Hearing? +
The book was written by Christopher J. Plack.
What is the primary focus of the book? +
It focuses on auditory perception, covering the physics of sound, ear anatomy, and basic auditory processes.
What is new in the second edition? +
The second edition includes thorough revisions, new chapters on music and hearing impairment, and an appendix on research methodologies.
Is this book suitable for beginners? +
Yes, it is designed as an accessible introduction for students approaching the subject for the first time.
How many pages long is the book? +
The book contains 307 pages.
