I am a professor in Speech-Language Pathology (Communication Sciences and Disorders) and use a few of your videos to supplement the Audiology content in the upper level undergraduate course "Speech and Hearing Science". My Ph.D. is in Voice and Speech Science, and I appreciate the manner in which the content is presented. Very well done, thank you. I believe I may be inspired to create some similar video tutorials in the above mentioned areas. Christine Bergan, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
My cat has been sleeping soundly and her head just shot up in a very alarmed way at the sound of the high pitch lol... Great videos, thank-you, I am a nursing student and my anatomy classes have gone online, and we have to teach ourselves...this is a wonderful resource. Thank you
I think the apex is wider and more floppy than the base of the basilar membrane. Thus, only higher frequencies have the ability to move the base of the basilar membrane whereas low frequencies can move the apex.
@LittleDanzig You are very much welcome. We appreciate your words of encouragement. Leslie will definitely never stop making more Biology videos to help everyone with their learning. Do keep coming back as we have more videos to be uploaded very soon!
I get confused somewhere at around 5:50. True of False - low pitches and low volumes result in slower and less dramatic vibrations of the auditory transducers. True? Why then or HOW would the lower frequency create more force or push on the cochlear fluid and basilar membrane?
One thing I've wondered for a long time and not been able to find anything on, is what makes different tone. Like a wood block vs a metal block, both hitting a A-432 hz, but sound different.
lets go to the next vid. I hope to hear soon what happens to neurotransmitters and receptors etc. very exiting. thank you so much. is there any reason to have that snail shaped cochlea thing? I mean it could have been done flat or so.
Hi, is it possible to make a video on the rate-pitch (phase-locking of the auditory fibres) as well? It will help a lot in the teaching to the students to see the illustration. This video describes the place-pitch very well. TQ.
i'm a bit confused according to my text book, the basilar membrane is thickest near the oval window and thinner near the helicotrema. therefore the thickker regions harder to displace explaining why higher frequencies needed to vibrate basilar membrane
Lower frequencies, if at an audible ("equal") level (perception wise) require much more energy to be heard (google "fletcher munson curve"). In any music we listen to the low frequencies have MUCH more energy than highs. Look at how many watts a subwoofer takes to be heard vs. a midrange or tweeter. Look at how much a subwoofer moves (that's a lot of energy) vs. a tweeter. Our ears are more sensitive to highs (or high mids, say near 3-6K especially) partly because the ear canal is a pipe that's resonant near ~2-3K. Thus any bass we can hear as seemingly level is actually quite a bit of acoustic energy (and wind.. turn up speakers loud enough and you'll feel a blast of wind when the kick hits - careful of your hearing.) Peace.
Great video but you are a bit wrong in saying that low frequency sound has larger pressure than high frequency sound. Sound is a longitudinal wave with compressions and rarefactions and since in the same medium the speed of sound is constant the wavelength is inversely proportional to the frequency. This means that frequency affects the distance between compressions but not their pressure level. It is acoustic power that affects the amplitude of the pressure. However frequency and perceived loudness are intrinsically linked, with greater intensity sound being required at low frequencies to produce the same amount of perceived loudness. That is because low frequency sound has a lower absorption ratio than higher frequency one and is also very non directional in its propagation (something that causes the effect of enveloping the individual without any discernable localized source). So to achieve the same loudness we need greater acoustic energy (in basses converted from electrical). Thus lower frequency sound has greater pressure than higher one FOR THE SAME PERCIEVED LOUDNESS. But if we use a speaker to create sound from electrical oscillations of equal amplitude and different frequency the pressure amplitude of sound will be the same regardless of the frequency. In other words the greater pressure you experience by basses is because of greater acoustic energy. The reason of different thickness in the cochlear membrane has nothing to do with pressure. The reason is to make its natural (resonant) frequency different in every area - think of a spring-mass system where you change the value of k (stiffness) to change f_res=(SQRT(k/m))/2π. Also it related with the distance the sound travels across the tube (see stationary waves). Anyway basically what happens is that each area in the membrane due to its different thickness has a different stiffness and hence different natural frequency. Therefore when sound of that frequency passes though it causes resonance and thereby larger oscillations.
5 star comment, thank you. I was wondering how it was possible that lower frequencies produced a greater 'force' according to this video. Awesome explanation and nice to hear that stiffness affects resonant frequencies, and actually the higher frequencies affect the stiffer basilar membrane near the entrance of the cochlea.
My High frequencies Are uncomfortable, and to lower volume to comfort level, I'm unable to hear the voices??? my layman language and not knowing enough about the sound to brain process, makes trying to explain to my audiologist my discomfort, in a vernacular, that will address the situation! the Higher frequencies distract from the words being spoken, the Pst - and St, beginning, and ending of words, is uncomfortable, to reduce the volume to a comfort level I'm unable to hear the spoken words? It has become very frustrating for me, as in my 4th or 5th tuning, after implant, it had a sound very similar to normal hearing, however every tuning after that made no benefit to the quality of sound! any advice, or direction would be most appreciated " Cochlear Nucleus 6" Thank You, John.
I really do enjoy your videos, but I have a question, you stated that it becomes thicker as it gets closer to the apex of the cochlea, but my text books state the opposite. That it is thickest near the oval window and becomes thinner. Can you please verify that for me?
Your videos are great and are definitely helping me to get my head around all of this a bit better (am studying speech language pathology). But I have one question: my professor said that the signal actually goes from the stapes through the oval window and onto the Scala Vestibule. From there it eventually (somehow) reaches the Basilar Membrane. Assuming that he is correct how does that transfer of the signal happen (from the scala vestibule to the basilar membrane)? And would it be correct to say that, once the signal has reached the basilar membrane (and incited the appropriate section of that membrane to vibrate per its resonant frequency), the basilar movement then causes the the tectorial membrane to fan the cilia below- causing them to sway and ultimately send the signal to the auditory nerve and onto the brain? Thanks again!
Sir low frequncy sound has more force than why it cannot stimulate that part of membran that can be vibrated by high frequncy sound that has low force...
I was reading a book on digital speech processing, for better understanding stumbled on your videos. Now I understand things much better. Thanks for your effort, videos are great. But you have one contradiction with book, high frequency sounds doesn't mean high intensity. In fact human ear is differently sensible to different frequencies more sensible in range( 3-4khz ). For lower frequencies sound needs to be more intense to be perceived. Anyways, Please make videos on how sound is produced. Thanks.
Hang on. I listen to a lot of electronic music and produce it as well, but is it possible for a frequency to be so strong that it breaks your ear? Like as far as bass goes?
Quick question about the Cochlea, the diagram shows a range from 1600hz to 25hz, but we know humans have a hearing range from 20hz to 20khz. Is the diagram incorrect or is there a reason it shows the frequencies like that?
+harry the diagram doesn't show all of the frequencies and he does mention the hearing range in the video, notice how the line to where the frequency is 1600hz isn't at the end.
Nice video and effort, but I have to say that you are wrong with some of the information. As the basilar membrane is getting wider going to the apical end of the cochlea, it is actualy getting less thinner. The explanation about low frequency waves having more energy is also wrong, high frequency waves actually have more energy and that's why they can move the basilar membrane at the basilar end of the basilar membrane.
This is a good question. There is a video by javitsproduction here on youtube entitled "How the ear works", which I believe will solve your question. Skip to 1:51 if you want to get to the part about your question.
Man, thanks so much, @locustphysalis3300. I try hard to break things down in a way that's understandable. So if you wanna keep learning like this, make sure to tap subscribe. Lots more great stuff coming.
Is it possible to get a real life visual of the inside of the cochlea? Maybe through ultrasound? It would be so awesome to see the fluid inside the cochlea moving the hair cells.
You are very much welcome, Shaun. Glad you found it valuable. Make sure to subscribe to the channel, because I have a lot more content like this coming to help you with biology. I actually have another hearing video that I'm posting tomorrow.
How does the brain make us hear that sound though ? Like the brain now knows if it is high frequency or low And it like interpreted all that information about the sound waves coming. Now how does it make us HEAR it ? Like Do you know what I mean ?
No. You're going to interpret it as a vibration and not as a sound. You're going to feel weird because your ear receives the vibrations, translate it to brain's signals, but your brain can't identify the signals. As a consequence your auditory system is acting like it's going to get information, but nothing happens. For example, when people think that they live in a haunted house, it's because the house is built in an acoustic manner in which the vibrations' frequency are under 20hz.
You are very much welcome @She invests. Glad you got value from it. Make sure to subscribe to the channel, because I have a lot more content like this coming to help you understand how the human body works 👍🏽.
I am a professor in Speech-Language Pathology (Communication Sciences and Disorders) and use a few of your videos to supplement the Audiology content in the upper level undergraduate course "Speech and Hearing Science". My Ph.D. is in Voice and Speech Science, and I appreciate the manner in which the content is presented. Very well done, thank you. I believe I may be inspired to create some similar video tutorials in the above mentioned areas. Christine Bergan, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
My cat has been sleeping soundly and her head just shot up in a very alarmed way at the sound of the high pitch lol... Great videos, thank-you, I am a nursing student and my anatomy classes have gone online, and we have to teach ourselves...this is a wonderful resource. Thank you
I have spent literally weeks trying to understand this thing and you have explained it SO well in a simple language thank youuuuuu!
All your videos are very helpful. Even for medical students!
Thank you Justin Malek. Glad to hear that :)
Your videos are most certainly interactive...not to mention funny! Thanks for putting together educational material in such a great way!
I think the apex is wider and more floppy than the base of the basilar membrane. Thus, only higher frequencies have the ability to move the base of the basilar membrane whereas low frequencies can move the apex.
@LittleDanzig You are very much welcome. We appreciate your words of encouragement. Leslie will definitely never stop making more Biology videos to help everyone with their learning. Do keep coming back as we have more videos to be uploaded very soon!
The Basilar Membrane near the base is stiff and narrow, while the Basilar Membrane at the Apex is wide and floppy.
Yes bqsilar membrane s3x
@richyboy230 You're welcome! Glad you understood it well. Please stay tuned. We will have new Biology videos coming very soon!
Helps me pray for restoration for those with hearing loss. Much thanks
You broke it down beautifully so that I can understand the increased energy for creating lower pitched sounds. Thank you.
you are an excellent teacher, A+
@katherinependragon You are very much welcome. I'm glad you find the videos helpful. Stay tuned for more :)
This is really well done and the diagrams and voice over are so helpful for a student struggling to understand the textbooks! Thanks!!
Isnt the apex thicker and less flexible in the basilar membrane?
I should just skip my physiology lectures and watch your videos instead. it'll save me 52 minutes of my life
Thank you, Leslie. I watched 036-038 for the mechanism of hearing, which was really informative.
Why does hearing loss for people with ototoxicity/ or noise induced mostly happen in the higher frequency rather than the lower frequency?
@marazuka LOL. I was thinking I should record a CD of me screaming :D
jk, glad you are finding value in the content. All the best!
You are absolutely HILARIOUS and are helping me SO MUCH! Thanks Leslie :) xx
You're welcome Maria Farrell
I get confused somewhere at around 5:50. True of False - low pitches and low volumes result in slower and less dramatic vibrations of the auditory transducers. True? Why then or HOW would the lower frequency create more force or push on the cochlear fluid and basilar membrane?
That kinda sounds like a homework question. Are you trying to get me to do your homework for you? 😜
One thing I've wondered for a long time and not been able to find anything on, is what makes different tone. Like a wood block vs a metal block, both hitting a A-432 hz, but sound different.
lets go to the next vid. I hope to hear soon what happens to neurotransmitters and receptors etc. very exiting. thank you so much. is there any reason to have that snail shaped cochlea thing? I mean it could have been done flat or so.
I wish you were my audition prof! Wonderfully explained and SO helpful.
how can we fined angular sound, the sound come from specific angle or dimension ?
Hi, is it possible to make a video on the rate-pitch (phase-locking of the auditory fibres) as well? It will help a lot in the teaching to the students to see the illustration. This video describes the place-pitch very well. TQ.
i'm a bit confused according to my text book, the basilar membrane is thickest near the oval window and thinner near the helicotrema. therefore the thickker regions harder to displace explaining why higher frequencies needed to vibrate basilar membrane
Thank you so much! Your videos are way more helpful and interesting than my textbooks
Verrrry Nice , but ,
How would a lower frequency give us a greater force ??
Exactly, don't lower frequency waves carry less energy?
Yes !!!
Lower frequencies, if at an audible ("equal") level (perception wise) require much more energy to be heard (google "fletcher munson curve"). In any music we listen to the low frequencies have MUCH more energy than highs. Look at how many watts a subwoofer takes to be heard vs. a midrange or tweeter. Look at how much a subwoofer moves (that's a lot of energy) vs. a tweeter. Our ears are more sensitive to highs (or high mids, say near 3-6K especially) partly because the ear canal is a pipe that's resonant near ~2-3K. Thus any bass we can hear as seemingly level is actually quite a bit of acoustic energy (and wind.. turn up speakers loud enough and you'll feel a blast of wind when the kick hits - careful of your hearing.) Peace.
Is a low frequency a high sound or low sound?
Excellent video for someone who is not so sure of the technicality of the brain 👏👏👏 mercy
This is very helpful for my Advanced Experimental Sensation & Perception class, thanks so much :-)
Great video but you are a bit wrong in saying that low frequency sound has larger pressure than high frequency sound. Sound is a longitudinal wave with compressions and rarefactions and since in the same medium the speed of sound is constant the wavelength is inversely proportional to the frequency. This means that frequency affects the distance between compressions but not their pressure level. It is acoustic power that affects the amplitude of the pressure. However frequency and perceived loudness are intrinsically linked, with greater intensity sound being required at low frequencies to produce the same amount of perceived loudness. That is because low frequency sound has a lower absorption ratio than higher frequency one and is also very non directional in its propagation (something that causes the effect of enveloping the individual without any discernable localized source). So to achieve the same loudness we need greater acoustic energy (in basses converted from electrical). Thus lower frequency sound has greater pressure than higher one FOR THE SAME PERCIEVED LOUDNESS. But if we use a speaker to create sound from electrical oscillations of equal amplitude and different frequency the pressure amplitude of sound will be the same regardless of the frequency. In other words the greater pressure you experience by basses is because of greater acoustic energy.
The reason of different thickness in the cochlear membrane has nothing to do with pressure. The reason is to make its natural (resonant) frequency different in every area - think of a spring-mass system where you change the value of k (stiffness) to change f_res=(SQRT(k/m))/2π. Also it related with the distance the sound travels across the tube (see stationary waves). Anyway basically what happens is that each area in the membrane due to its different thickness has a different stiffness and hence different natural frequency. Therefore when sound of that frequency passes though it causes resonance and thereby larger oscillations.
5 star comment, thank you. I was wondering how it was possible that lower frequencies produced a greater 'force' according to this video. Awesome explanation and nice to hear that stiffness affects resonant frequencies, and actually the higher frequencies affect the stiffer basilar membrane near the entrance of the cochlea.
@pari020 We will definitely continue :D
My High frequencies Are uncomfortable, and to lower volume to comfort level, I'm unable to hear the voices??? my layman language and not knowing enough about the sound to brain process, makes trying to explain to my audiologist my discomfort, in a vernacular, that will address the situation! the Higher frequencies distract from the words being spoken, the Pst - and St, beginning, and ending of words, is uncomfortable, to reduce the volume to a comfort level I'm unable to hear the spoken words? It has become very frustrating for me, as in my 4th or 5th tuning, after implant, it had a sound very similar to normal hearing, however every tuning after that made no benefit to the quality of sound!
any advice, or direction would be most appreciated " Cochlear Nucleus 6"
Thank You,
John.
Please explain place and volley principles as well.
you said that if the frequency is low enough its force can vibrate the whole membrane> so if that happens, does it just sound low or low and high?
I really do enjoy your videos, but I have a question, you stated that it becomes thicker as it gets closer to the apex of the cochlea, but my text books state the opposite. That it is thickest near the oval window and becomes thinner. Can you please verify that for me?
The basilar membrane does get wider towards the apex. The cochlea itself, however, is wider at the base and gets narrower towards the apex.
Your videos are great and are definitely helping me to get my head around all of this a bit better (am studying speech language pathology). But I have one question: my professor said that the signal actually goes from the stapes through the oval window and onto the Scala Vestibule. From there it eventually (somehow) reaches the Basilar Membrane. Assuming that he is correct how does that transfer of the signal happen (from the scala vestibule to the basilar membrane)? And would it be correct to say that, once the signal has reached the basilar membrane (and incited the appropriate section of that membrane to vibrate per its resonant frequency), the basilar movement then causes the the tectorial membrane to fan the cilia below- causing them to sway and ultimately send the signal to the auditory nerve and onto the brain? Thanks again!
Thank u sir for explaining the Concept in a very nice way ❤ 👌
You're welcome.
Sir low frequncy sound has more force than why it cannot stimulate that part of membran that can be vibrated by high frequncy sound that has low force...
I was reading a book on digital speech processing, for better understanding stumbled on your videos. Now I understand things much better. Thanks for your effort, videos are great. But you have one contradiction with book, high frequency sounds doesn't mean high intensity. In fact human ear is differently sensible to different frequencies more sensible in range( 3-4khz ). For lower frequencies sound needs to be more intense to be perceived. Anyways, Please make videos on how sound is produced. Thanks.
Hang on. I listen to a lot of electronic music and produce it as well, but is it possible for a frequency to be so strong that it breaks your ear? Like as far as bass goes?
thanks man..your teaching way is simply amazing...keep going on..
Quick question about the Cochlea, the diagram shows a range from 1600hz to 25hz, but we know humans have a hearing range from 20hz to 20khz. Is the diagram incorrect or is there a reason it shows the frequencies like that?
+harry the diagram doesn't show all of the frequencies and he does mention the hearing range in the video, notice how the line to where the frequency is 1600hz isn't at the end.
omg all your videos are so helpful for my physio class! my teacher sucks ass!! thanks to you I have a shot at passing! thank u!
Really cool, I really like how you put a fun side to it. Also is the human ear more analog or digital?
You are hilarious. These videos are so helpful! I hear a familiar accent. Are you Trinidadian?
E = hf? energy is proportional to frequency? So why would lower frequencies be higher energy?
I dont know, but he said lower frequency results in more Force, not energy per se?
Thanks for the video, it was great! Just wanted to ask if there is a specific reason the cochlea is coiled?
Wendy Benson ofcourse to occupy low space
I think the basilar membrane is wider and thinner(floppier) at the apex. Otherwise it is a beautiful explanation.
very entertaining - you helped me understand it all much better!
feelin that bass, whats the name of the song?
The best videos on the subject thank you very much. I have seen that you entered in khanacademy Are you still doing biology videos ???
could you make some anatomy videos for mbbs students on dissection and rememberance notes
I really love your spirit in videos and very nice to meet ur channel ❤❤ thank you 😍
Super helpful and understandable video. Thank you!
This is a good question. I believe this video will help you to understand it better, if you're still interested in it after a month. (skip to 1:51)
So clear and helpful! Thanks
Man, you really help me with your videos! Thanks a lot! :) Very very good job!
Very useful and informative video!
Nice video and effort, but I have to say that you are wrong with some of the information. As the basilar membrane is getting wider going to the apical end of the cochlea, it is actualy getting less thinner. The explanation about low frequency waves having more energy is also wrong, high frequency waves actually have more energy and that's why they can move the basilar membrane at the basilar end of the basilar membrane.
@Livinglifehigh LOL. Glad you enjoyed that rendition in D flat Minor :)
Yep, Making Biology Fun. It's the only way to go :D
I really enjoy these videos, they help so much hahaa keep it up!
This was a fun video not gonna lie XD Didn't think I'd enjoy learning about the ear so much haha
What causes water to come out of the ear?
Very good Tutorial. Thank you very much
You're very much welcome.
Best intro ever.
This is a good question. There is a video by javitsproduction here on youtube entitled "How the ear works", which I believe will solve your question. Skip to 1:51 if you want to get to the part about your question.
This was so helpful. THANK YOU!
This is an awesome video! Why does the cochlea need that liquid, though?
did anyone notice that the second listening example didn't have any low frequency?
Excellent teaching
Man, thanks so much, @locustphysalis3300. I try hard to break things down in a way that's understandable. So if you wanna keep learning like this, make sure to tap subscribe. Lots more great stuff coming.
makes perfect sense. Thank you
Is it possible to get a real life visual of the inside of the cochlea? Maybe through ultrasound? It would be so awesome to see the fluid inside the cochlea moving the hair cells.
I don't know
Your videos are great!
At 5:52 i was just about to start air drumming :D
Great explanation btw , Thank you :)
You sir are the best. Keep up the good work
good explanation
thank you for this upload
lolol..loved the beginning..lol.. && the 'let's continueee'
the rest of the vid 2! very helpful..all of them..thnx!
Great video! Thank you!!
You are very much welcome, Shaun. Glad you found it valuable. Make sure to subscribe to the channel, because I have a lot more content like this coming to help you with biology. I actually have another hearing video that I'm posting tomorrow.
your good dude make such more videos its good for students
thank u for uploading sir...
How does the brain make us hear that sound though ?
Like the brain now knows if it is high frequency or low
And it like interpreted all that information about the sound waves coming.
Now how does it make us HEAR it ?
Like
Do you know what I mean ?
That's a great question that I wish I had the answer to 😉
God bless you i really needed this video
God bless you too. Glad you found it helpful.
awesome stuff! you have a new subscriber
silly but fun and mad informative. thanks a lot
good job bro,thank you
Awesome man
GREAT diagram @ 2:00.
nice bass
waw! u explain it so well! all is so much clearer now! u should be a teacher! :)
Haha, I'll think about that one ;)
lol at the beginning. LETS CONTINUE! to make biology fun! (ur catch phrase b4 every video n_n
Thank you,
No. You're going to interpret it as a vibration and not as a sound. You're going to feel weird because your ear receives the vibrations, translate it to brain's signals, but your brain can't identify the signals. As a consequence your auditory system is acting like it's going to get information, but nothing happens.
For example, when people think that they live in a haunted house, it's because the house is built in an acoustic manner in which the vibrations' frequency are under 20hz.
God is amazing for designing something like this.
Thanks
omg i laughed so hard at 0:37 when he started cracking up
Thank you
You are very much welcome @She invests. Glad you got value from it. Make sure to subscribe to the channel, because I have a lot more content like this coming to help you understand how the human body works 👍🏽.