The ability to recognize sounds and identify their location is possible thanks to the auditory system. That's comprised of two main parts: the ear, and the brain. The ear's task is to convert sound energy into neural signals; the brain's is to receive and process the information those signals contain. To understand how that works, Douglas L. Oliver follows a sound on its journey into the ear. [TED-Ed Animation by Cabong Studios]

Douglas L. Oliver: The science of hearing

The science of hearing

Differences in basilar membrane flexibility allow our ears to distinguish between high and low frequencies, akin to piano keys.

Hearing loss, affecting millions globally, stems from noise exposure, drug effects, or diseases impacting the ear's mechanics.

Discover how the ear's intricate mechanics convert air vibrations into neural signals, enabling precise sound detection.