Sense of hearing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sense of hearing

[ˈhɪərɪŋ ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

human anatomy

The ability to perceive sound by detecting vibrations, changes in air pressure, or other auditory stimuli through the ears.

Synonyms

auditory perception, aural sense, hearing ability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sense of hearing	General and everyday situations where you want to refer to the ability to detect sound. The sense of hearing allows us to enjoy music She lost her sense of hearing after the accident
auditory perception	More scientific or technical contexts, often used in discussions about how the brain processes sounds. Auditory perception is crucial for language development in children Researchers are studying auditory perception to understand better how people with hearing loss interpret sounds
aural sense	Formal or literary contexts, less common in daily conversation. The aural sense can be incredibly sensitive to changes in pitch Many musicians have a highly developed aural sense
hearing ability	When discussing someone's capacity to hear, often in the context of health or skill. His hearing ability has been deteriorating with age The hearing ability of animals like dogs is much stronger than that of humans

Examples of usage

The sense of hearing is one of the five traditional senses.
Without the sense of hearing, communication would be challenging.
She lost her sense of hearing after a severe ear infection.
We rely on our sense of hearing to enjoy music and movies.
Newborn babies have a developing sense of hearing.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

The ear has three main parts: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear, each playing a vital role in hearing.
Tiny bones in the middle ear, called the ossicles, help amplify sound vibrations so we can hear them clearly.
The cochlea in the inner ear contains tiny hair cells that convert sound waves into signals for the brain.

Science

Sound travels in waves, and different frequencies create various pitches that we perceive.
Exploration of hearing helps scientists understand how animals communicate. For instance, elephants use low-frequency sounds to communicate over long distances.
Hearing loss can occur due to age, noise exposure, or genetics, highlighting the importance of protecting our ears.

Psychology

Hearing plays a crucial role in emotional communication, as tone of voice can convey feelings more than words themselves.
Sound can significantly affect our mood, with studies showing that music can alter emotions and enhance well-being.
Auditory processing refers to how our brains interpret sounds. This is important for our ability to understand speech and respond.

Culture

Different cultures have unique musical traditions, with various instruments and styles that reflect their histories and values.
Many languages use sound patterns that affect meaning, showcasing the diversity of auditory communication around the world.
The sense of hearing allows us to appreciate art forms like music and spoken word, which enrich our cultural experiences.

Technology

Hearing aids amplify sounds for people with hearing loss, improving their ability to engage with the world.
Sound technology has advanced, leading to developments like noise-canceling headphones that help isolate sounds in noisy environments.
Research in audio technology includes creating immersive sound experiences, such as 3D audio, enhancing how we perceive sound in virtual reality.

Origin of 'sense of hearing'

The sense of hearing, also known as audition, is vital for human communication and perception of the surrounding environment. It involves the complex process of capturing sound waves through the ears and converting them into electrical signals that the brain can interpret. The evolution of hearing in humans and other species has played a crucial role in survival and social interactions throughout history.