Hearing Science Fundamentals
3rd Edition
Published on 12. June 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
374 pages
978-1-63550-772-0 (ISBN)
Description
Hearing Science Fundamentals, Third Edition introduces the basic concepts in hearing science in an easy-to-understand format for undergraduate and graduate level students. This textbook includes a wide variety of student-friendly features designed to facilitate learning, as well as instructor resources for seamless integration to the course. The text is divided into four clear sections to cover everything from the physics of sound to the anatomy and physiology of the auditory pathway and beyond. The textbook begins by delving into the basics of acoustics and digital signal processing (DSP). In the next section, readers will find full coverage of the basic anatomy and physiology of the auditory mechanism. The third section contains eight chapters on psychoacoustics and how sound is perceived via the auditory pathways. The final section discusses pathologies of the auditory mechanisms. Multiple disorders from each portion of the auditory system are described in detail. These chapters are intended to provide an introduction to auditory pathologies to support future coursework in audiology and related fields.
New to the Third Edition
Inclusion of additional Clinical Notes and computational examples in text
Discussion topics provided at the end of each chapter to assist with student understanding of chapter material
Additional topics included in multiple chapters such as information on auditory scene analysis (navigating the auditory scene) and the various decibel scales (dB SL, dB HL, etc.)
Links to helpful videos to enhance student understanding of topics from each chapter
Additional PluralPlus online ancillary content including updated student study questions, eFlashcards for vocabulary development, and additional computational examples to enhance student understanding
Key Features
Learning Objectives and Key Terms at the beginning of each chapter prepare the student for the chapter contents
More than 150 anatomical and line illustrations aid understanding of important technical concepts
Q&A boxes reinforce important information presented in the text
Suggested readings at the end of each chapter for further clarification and study of the technical contents of each chapter
A Glossary of important terms
PluralPlus Online AncillariesFor instructors: PowerPoint Slides, Test Bank, Class Activities
For students: Quizzes, eFlashcards
New to the Third Edition
Inclusion of additional Clinical Notes and computational examples in text
Discussion topics provided at the end of each chapter to assist with student understanding of chapter material
Additional topics included in multiple chapters such as information on auditory scene analysis (navigating the auditory scene) and the various decibel scales (dB SL, dB HL, etc.)
Links to helpful videos to enhance student understanding of topics from each chapter
Additional PluralPlus online ancillary content including updated student study questions, eFlashcards for vocabulary development, and additional computational examples to enhance student understanding
Key Features
Learning Objectives and Key Terms at the beginning of each chapter prepare the student for the chapter contents
More than 150 anatomical and line illustrations aid understanding of important technical concepts
Q&A boxes reinforce important information presented in the text
Suggested readings at the end of each chapter for further clarification and study of the technical contents of each chapter
A Glossary of important terms
PluralPlus Online AncillariesFor instructors: PowerPoint Slides, Test Bank, Class Activities
For students: Quizzes, eFlashcards
More details
Edition
3rd New edition
Language
English
Place of publication
San Diego
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Edition type
New edition
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 254 mm
Width: 178 mm
Thickness: 21 mm
Weight
835 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-63550-772-0 (9781635507720)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Norman J. Lass, PhD, was Professor Emeritus at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. Dr. Lass was a faculty member for more than 40 years and taught courses in speech and hearing science throughout his time at West Virginia University.
Jeremy J. Donai, AuD, PhD, is an associate professor and audiology program director at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC). Dr. Donai also serves as the director of the Auditory Perception Lab at TTUHSC. Over his career, Dr. Donai has had significant clinical, teaching, and research experience at multiple universities. His research involves the study of high-frequency speech energy. Dr. Donai has taught courses in amplification, psychoacoustics, research, audiology business practice, anatomy and physiology, and counseling. He is the coauthor of Clinical Research Methods in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Fourth Edition and Audiology Review: Preparing for the Praxis and Comprehensive Examinations, both published by Plural Publishing.
Jeremy J. Donai, AuD, PhD, is an associate professor and audiology program director at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC). Dr. Donai also serves as the director of the Auditory Perception Lab at TTUHSC. Over his career, Dr. Donai has had significant clinical, teaching, and research experience at multiple universities. His research involves the study of high-frequency speech energy. Dr. Donai has taught courses in amplification, psychoacoustics, research, audiology business practice, anatomy and physiology, and counseling. He is the coauthor of Clinical Research Methods in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Fourth Edition and Audiology Review: Preparing for the Praxis and Comprehensive Examinations, both published by Plural Publishing.
Content
Preface
Acknowledgments
Contributors
Reviewers
Section I. Acoustics
Chapter 1. Basic Acoustics
Sound
Sinusoidal Motion
Spatial Concepts
Amplitude
Wavelength ( )
Temporal Concepts
Cycle
Period
Frequency
Phase
Velocity
Frequency/Period Relationship
Frequency/Wavelength Relationship
Sound Propagation and Interference
Complex Sounds
Periodicity Versus Aperiodicity
Resonance
Cavity (Acoustical) Resonance
Frequency Response Curve
Ear Canal Analogy
The Decibel
Computational Perspective
Hearing Threshold Level, Audiometric Zero (0 dB HL), and Decibel (dB) Sensation Level (SL)
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Chapter 2. Review of Speech Acoustics
Helen A. Boyd-Pratt and Jeremy J. Donai
Source-Filter Theory and Vocal Tract Anatomy
Acoustic Measures
Fundamental Frequency
Voice Onset Time
Root Mean Square Amplitude
Formants (Spectral Resonances)
Long-Term Average Spectrum (LTAS)
Speech Sound Classification
Consonant Classification
Vowel Classification
Speech Intelligibility Index (SII) and Count-the-Dots Audiogram
SII
Count-the-Dots Audiogram
Ling 6 Sounds Test
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Chapter 3. Digital Signal Processing
Amplitude Quantization and Sampling Frequency
Aliasing and Anti-Aliasing Filtering
Filtering
Windowing
Frequency Versus Time Tradeoff (Frequency Resolution Versus Temporal Resolution)
Pre-Emphasis
Digital Hearing Aid Signal Processing
Compression
Directional Microphones and Digital Noise Reduction
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Section II. Structure and Function
Chapter 4. Anatomy and Physiology of the Conductive Auditory Mechanism
Outer Ear
Auricle (Pinna)
External Auditory Meatus (Outer Ear Canal)
Tympanic Membrane (Eardrum)
Middle Ear
Tympanic Cavity Proper (Tympanum)
Malleus
Incus
Stapes
Middle Ear Muscles
Function of the Conductive Mechanism
Non-Acoustic Function
Acoustic Function
Impedance
Impedance Mismatch
Auditory (Eustachian) Tube
Action of the Middle Ear Muscles
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Chapter 5. Anatomy and Physiology of the Sensory Auditory Mechanism
Inner Ear
Function of the Sensory Mechanism
Mechanical Properties
Active Processes
Cochlear Electrophysiology
Resting Potential
Potentials Seen as Response to Stimulation
Single-Cell Electrical Activity
Phase Locking
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Chapter 6. Anatomy and Physiology of the Central Auditory Mechanism
Afferent Central Auditory Pathway
Interhemispheric Connections
Efferent Central Auditory Pathway
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Section III. Psychoacoustics
Chapter 7. Normal Hearing
Stimulus Characteristics
Stimulus Frequency
Stimulus Duration
Stimulus Intensity
Methods of Stimulus Presentation
Earphones
Speakers
Assessment of Auditory Sensitivity
Method of Limits
Method of Adjustment
Method of Constant Stimuli
Listener (Subject) Variables
Age Variation
What Is Normal Hearing?
Localization of Sound
Interaural Intensity (Level) Cues for Localization
Interaural Time (Phase) Cues for Localization
Auditory Scene Analysis
Hearing by Bone Conduction
Bone Conduction in Clinical Audiology
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Chapter 8. Binaural Processing
Katharine Fitzharris
Advantages of Binaural Hearing
Listening in Noise
Binaural Squelch
Directional Hearing
Localization
Lateralization
Vertical Localization
Minimal Audible Angle (MAA)
Minimal Audible Movement Angle (MAMA)
Distance Perception
Precedence Effect
Disadvantages of Binaural Hearing
Physiology of Binaural Hearing
Afferent Pathways
Efferent Pathways
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Chapter 9. Masking
Masker-Signal Relationship and Sound Level
Masking of Tones by Other Tones
Masking of Tones by Narrow Noise Bands
The Critical Band
Masking of Tones by Wide Noise Bands
Special Cases of Masking
Temporal Masking
Masking Level Difference (MLD)
Spatial Release from Masking
Energetic and Informational Masking
Masking in Clinical Audiology
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Chapter 10. Temporal Processing
Neural Physiology
Temporal Fine Structure and Temporal Envelope
Dip Listening
Modulation Rate and Modulation Depth
Temporal Processing Skills
Temporal Integration
Temporal Resolution
Temporal Patterning
Temporal Masking
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Chapter 11. Loudness and Pitch
Loudness
Pitch
Residue Pitch and the Missing Fundamental
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Chapter 12. Differential Sensitivity
The Fechner-Weber Fraction
Difference Limen for Intensity
Difference Limen for Frequency
Temporal Discrimination
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Chapter 13. Signal Detection Theory
Response Distributions
Response Types
Sensitivity and Specificity
Response Bias
Discriminability Index (d') and ROC Curves
Ceiling and Floor Effects
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Chapter 14. Auditory Perception and Hearing Impairment
Outer Hair Cell (OHC) Damage
Auditory Recruitment
Inner Hair Cell (IHC) Damage
Cochlear Dead Regions
Auditory Nerve Damage
Effects on Frequency Selectivity
Auditory Excitation Patterns
Effects on Temporal Processing
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Section IV. Pathologies of the Auditory Mechanisms
Chapter 15. Pathologies of the Conductive Auditory Mechanism
Pathologies of the Outer Ear
Auricle
Chondritis and Cauliflower Ear
External Auditory Canal
Impacted Cerumen
Pathologies of the Middle Ear
Eustachian Tube (Auditory Tube)
Otitis Media
Mastoiditis
Cholesteatoma
Pathologies of the Middle Ear Ossicles
Otosclerosis
Ossicular Discontinuity
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Chapter 16. Pathologies of the Sensory Auditory Mechanism
Inner Ear Pathologies
Cochlea
Auditory and Non-Auditory Effects of Noise
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Socioacusis and Presbycusis
Meniere's Disease
Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Ototoxicity
Auditory Nerve
Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)
Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Chapter 17. Pathologies of the Central Auditory Mechanism
(Central) Auditory Processing Definition
Signs and Symptoms
(C)APD Evaluation
Behavioral (Central) Auditory Skill Areas
Auditory Figure Ground
Low-Redundancy Speech
Dichotic Listening
Temporal Processing
Electrophysiological Assessment
Neural Response Overview
Management Strategies
Environmental Modifications
Compensatory Strategies
Auditory Training
Assistive Listening Technology
Pathologies of the Central Auditory Pathway
Traumatic Brain Injury
Cortical/Central Deafness
Cerebrovascular Accident
Multiple Sclerosis
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Glossary
Index
Acknowledgments
Contributors
Reviewers
Section I. Acoustics
Chapter 1. Basic Acoustics
Sound
Sinusoidal Motion
Spatial Concepts
Amplitude
Wavelength ( )
Temporal Concepts
Cycle
Period
Frequency
Phase
Velocity
Frequency/Period Relationship
Frequency/Wavelength Relationship
Sound Propagation and Interference
Complex Sounds
Periodicity Versus Aperiodicity
Resonance
Cavity (Acoustical) Resonance
Frequency Response Curve
Ear Canal Analogy
The Decibel
Computational Perspective
Hearing Threshold Level, Audiometric Zero (0 dB HL), and Decibel (dB) Sensation Level (SL)
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Chapter 2. Review of Speech Acoustics
Helen A. Boyd-Pratt and Jeremy J. Donai
Source-Filter Theory and Vocal Tract Anatomy
Acoustic Measures
Fundamental Frequency
Voice Onset Time
Root Mean Square Amplitude
Formants (Spectral Resonances)
Long-Term Average Spectrum (LTAS)
Speech Sound Classification
Consonant Classification
Vowel Classification
Speech Intelligibility Index (SII) and Count-the-Dots Audiogram
SII
Count-the-Dots Audiogram
Ling 6 Sounds Test
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Chapter 3. Digital Signal Processing
Amplitude Quantization and Sampling Frequency
Aliasing and Anti-Aliasing Filtering
Filtering
Windowing
Frequency Versus Time Tradeoff (Frequency Resolution Versus Temporal Resolution)
Pre-Emphasis
Digital Hearing Aid Signal Processing
Compression
Directional Microphones and Digital Noise Reduction
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Section II. Structure and Function
Chapter 4. Anatomy and Physiology of the Conductive Auditory Mechanism
Outer Ear
Auricle (Pinna)
External Auditory Meatus (Outer Ear Canal)
Tympanic Membrane (Eardrum)
Middle Ear
Tympanic Cavity Proper (Tympanum)
Malleus
Incus
Stapes
Middle Ear Muscles
Function of the Conductive Mechanism
Non-Acoustic Function
Acoustic Function
Impedance
Impedance Mismatch
Auditory (Eustachian) Tube
Action of the Middle Ear Muscles
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Chapter 5. Anatomy and Physiology of the Sensory Auditory Mechanism
Inner Ear
Function of the Sensory Mechanism
Mechanical Properties
Active Processes
Cochlear Electrophysiology
Resting Potential
Potentials Seen as Response to Stimulation
Single-Cell Electrical Activity
Phase Locking
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Chapter 6. Anatomy and Physiology of the Central Auditory Mechanism
Afferent Central Auditory Pathway
Interhemispheric Connections
Efferent Central Auditory Pathway
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Section III. Psychoacoustics
Chapter 7. Normal Hearing
Stimulus Characteristics
Stimulus Frequency
Stimulus Duration
Stimulus Intensity
Methods of Stimulus Presentation
Earphones
Speakers
Assessment of Auditory Sensitivity
Method of Limits
Method of Adjustment
Method of Constant Stimuli
Listener (Subject) Variables
Age Variation
What Is Normal Hearing?
Localization of Sound
Interaural Intensity (Level) Cues for Localization
Interaural Time (Phase) Cues for Localization
Auditory Scene Analysis
Hearing by Bone Conduction
Bone Conduction in Clinical Audiology
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Chapter 8. Binaural Processing
Katharine Fitzharris
Advantages of Binaural Hearing
Listening in Noise
Binaural Squelch
Directional Hearing
Localization
Lateralization
Vertical Localization
Minimal Audible Angle (MAA)
Minimal Audible Movement Angle (MAMA)
Distance Perception
Precedence Effect
Disadvantages of Binaural Hearing
Physiology of Binaural Hearing
Afferent Pathways
Efferent Pathways
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Chapter 9. Masking
Masker-Signal Relationship and Sound Level
Masking of Tones by Other Tones
Masking of Tones by Narrow Noise Bands
The Critical Band
Masking of Tones by Wide Noise Bands
Special Cases of Masking
Temporal Masking
Masking Level Difference (MLD)
Spatial Release from Masking
Energetic and Informational Masking
Masking in Clinical Audiology
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Chapter 10. Temporal Processing
Neural Physiology
Temporal Fine Structure and Temporal Envelope
Dip Listening
Modulation Rate and Modulation Depth
Temporal Processing Skills
Temporal Integration
Temporal Resolution
Temporal Patterning
Temporal Masking
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Chapter 11. Loudness and Pitch
Loudness
Pitch
Residue Pitch and the Missing Fundamental
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Chapter 12. Differential Sensitivity
The Fechner-Weber Fraction
Difference Limen for Intensity
Difference Limen for Frequency
Temporal Discrimination
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Chapter 13. Signal Detection Theory
Response Distributions
Response Types
Sensitivity and Specificity
Response Bias
Discriminability Index (d') and ROC Curves
Ceiling and Floor Effects
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Chapter 14. Auditory Perception and Hearing Impairment
Outer Hair Cell (OHC) Damage
Auditory Recruitment
Inner Hair Cell (IHC) Damage
Cochlear Dead Regions
Auditory Nerve Damage
Effects on Frequency Selectivity
Auditory Excitation Patterns
Effects on Temporal Processing
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Section IV. Pathologies of the Auditory Mechanisms
Chapter 15. Pathologies of the Conductive Auditory Mechanism
Pathologies of the Outer Ear
Auricle
Chondritis and Cauliflower Ear
External Auditory Canal
Impacted Cerumen
Pathologies of the Middle Ear
Eustachian Tube (Auditory Tube)
Otitis Media
Mastoiditis
Cholesteatoma
Pathologies of the Middle Ear Ossicles
Otosclerosis
Ossicular Discontinuity
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Chapter 16. Pathologies of the Sensory Auditory Mechanism
Inner Ear Pathologies
Cochlea
Auditory and Non-Auditory Effects of Noise
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Socioacusis and Presbycusis
Meniere's Disease
Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Ototoxicity
Auditory Nerve
Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)
Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Chapter 17. Pathologies of the Central Auditory Mechanism
(Central) Auditory Processing Definition
Signs and Symptoms
(C)APD Evaluation
Behavioral (Central) Auditory Skill Areas
Auditory Figure Ground
Low-Redundancy Speech
Dichotic Listening
Temporal Processing
Electrophysiological Assessment
Neural Response Overview
Management Strategies
Environmental Modifications
Compensatory Strategies
Auditory Training
Assistive Listening Technology
Pathologies of the Central Auditory Pathway
Traumatic Brain Injury
Cortical/Central Deafness
Cerebrovascular Accident
Multiple Sclerosis
Summary
Recommended Readings
References
Glossary
Index