Psychology 2e: Hearing

What is the function of the auditory system?

• To convert pressure waves into meaningful sounds

• To perceive pitch

• To localize sound

• To process auditory information in the brain

Which structure in the ear is responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals?

• Tympanic membrane

• Ossicles

• Semicircular canals

• Organ of Corti

How are sound waves converted into neural impulses?

• By the movement of the ossicles

• By the stimulation of hair cells

• By the activation of the auditory nerve

• By the processing in the auditory cortex

Which theory explains how different portions of the basilar membrane are sensitive to sounds of different frequencies?

• Temporal theory

• Place theory

• Both temporal and place theory

• Neither temporal nor place theory

What is the role of binaural cues in sound localization?

• To detect differences in the time at which a sound wave arrives at each ear

• To locate sounds that occur above or below and in front or behind us

• To detect differences in patterns of vibration of the eardrum

• To locate sounds along a horizontal axis

What is the most common form of hearing loss?

• Congenital deafness

• Conductive hearing loss

• Sensorineural hearing loss

• Ménière's disease

What is conductive hearing loss associated with?

• A failure in the vibration of the eardrum

• A failure to transmit neural signals from the cochlea to the brain

• A degeneration of inner ear structures

• An increase in pressure within the inner ear

What is the treatment option for sensorineural hearing loss?

• Hearing aids

• Cochlear implants

• Surgery

• Medication

What is tinnitus?

• Partial or complete inability to hear

• A sense of spinning

• Constant ringing or buzzing

• An increase in pressure within the inner ear

What is the purpose of a cochlear implant?

• To amplify incoming sound waves

• To stimulate the auditory nerve

• To treat Ménière's disease

• To improve balance and movement