The place theory of pitch perception suggests that different portions of the basilar membrane are sensitive to sounds of different frequencies . More specifically, the base of the basilar membrane responds best to high frequencies and the tip of the basilar membrane responds best to low frequencies.
Why is pitch perception important?
Pitch is important for speech and music perception , and may also play a crucial role in our ability to segregate sounds that arrive from different sources.
What is the perception of pitch?
Pitch is an aspect of auditory perception and the perceived fundamental frequency of a sound . While the actual fundamental frequency can be precisely determined through physical measurement, it may differ from the perceived pitch because of overtones, or partials, in the sound.
How does place theory explain our ability to hear?
The place theory of hearing is used to explain how we distinguish high-pitched sounds that possess a frequency that exceeds 5,000 hertz . According to the place theory of hearing, we can hear different pitches due to specific sound frequencies causing vibrations in specific parts on the basilar membrane of the cochlea.
What are the 2 theories of pitch perception?
Two rival theories have slugged it out over the years: ‘ place theory’, in which pitch is determined by which neurons are active, and ‘temporal theory’, in which pitch is determined by how the neurons are active, specifically in terms of their temporal firing patterns.
What are the principles of pitch perception?
Place and Temporal Code Theories of Pitch Perception. Pitch is a perceptual attribute, not a property of the physical stimulus. In a loose and imprecise way, the pitch we perceive is related to the frequency of the sound. Place Code Theory: Helmholtz’s theory of pitch is based on observations of the anatomy of the ear .
How does the brain interpret pitch?
In short, pitch is a brain’s interpretation of sound waves . ... When the orchestra tunes to the note “A”, they are in reality tuning to a specific frequency. Another interesting fact about pitch is that an “A” sounding at the frequency of 442 Hz will still sound like an “A” to a listener’s ears.
What is residue pitch?
The residue pitch is the low pitch heard when a group of frequency components in a complex tone is perceived as a coherent whole . For a harmonic complex tone, the residue pitch is usualy close to the pitch of the fundamental component, but that component does not have to be present for a residue pitch to be heard.
How do humans perceive pitch?
The place theory of pitch perception suggests that different portions of the basilar membrane are sensitive to sounds of different frequencies . ... At frequencies up to about 4000 Hz, it is clear that both the rate of action potentials and place contribute to our perception of pitch.
What does place theory explain?
Place theory is a theory of hearing that states that our perception of sound depends on where each component frequency produces vibrations along the basilar membrane . ... In all cases, neural firing patterns in time determine the perception of pitch.
What is the difference between frequency and place theories of pitch?
Place theory states that the perception of pitch is associated with vibration of different portions of the basilar membrane , while the frequency theory states the perception of pitch is associated with the frequency at which the entire basilar membrane vibrates, 20.
What are the two theories of hearing?
The ear-brain system is a complex instrument. Currently there are two overlapping theories of how we hear; the place theory of hearing and the temporal theory of hearing .
What are the two major theories of pitch discrimination?
At present, theories of pitch processing are based more on the possible neural representation of sound at the out- put of the auditory periphery than on the purely physical properties of sound. Even so, there remain two classes of theories: spectral and temporal .
What is the missing fundamental effect?
The missing fundamental phenomenon is used electronically by some pro audio manufacturers to allow sound systems to seem to produce notes that are lower in pitch than they are capable of reproducing .
How does pitch affect hearing?
Health Effects
The frequency or pitch can also have some effect, since high-pitched sounds are more damaging than low-pitched sounds. Noise may tire out the inner ear, causing temporary hearing loss. After a period of time away from the noise hearing may be restored.
What is the characteristic frequency?
The frequency of a sound at which the threshold of a single fibre of an auditory nerve is lowest and to which it is therefore most responsive . See also tuning curve. CF abbrev. From: characteristic frequency in A Dictionary of Psychology »
