Neurophysiology of Hearing

Neurophysiology of hearing describes how the brain interprets sounds. When sound waves enter the ear, they vibrate the eardrum and inner ear structures, converting vibrations into electrical signals. These signals travel via the auditory nerve to the brainstem and then to the auditory cortex in the brain. The brain processes these signals to recognize pitch, loudness, and direction, allowing us to understand speech, enjoy music, and detect environmental sounds. This complex system enables us to make sense of the rich auditory information around us through an intricate network of nerves and brain regions.