The word "auditory process" refers to the way that sound is perceived and analyzed by the brain. The spelling of this word can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable, "au" is pronounced as /ɔ/, the second syllable "di" is pronounced as /dɪ/, and the final two syllables, "to-ry" are pronounced as /tɔːri/. When spoken, the stress is on the second syllable, making the word pronounced as /ɔːdɪtɔːri/.
Auditory process refers to the series of physiological and psychological mechanisms by which the human brain receives, interprets, and comprehends auditory stimuli or sounds. It involves the perception and understanding of sound waves, which are converted into electrical impulses that are then processed by the auditory system.
The auditory process begins when sound waves enter the ear through the outer ear and reach the eardrum, causing it to vibrate. These vibrations are then transmitted through the middle ear to the cochlea, a small, spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear. Within the cochlea, the vibrations are transformed into electrical signals by sensory cells called hair cells. These electrical signals are passed to the auditory nerve, which carries them to the brain.
In the brain, the auditory signals are further processed and analyzed. Different areas of the auditory cortex are responsible for various aspects of sound perception, such as tone, pitch, rhythm, and location. The brain integrates and interprets these signals, allowing us to recognize and understand different sounds, including speech, music, and environmental noises.
Disruptions or impairments in the auditory process can lead to hearing loss or various auditory disorders, such as tinnitus or auditory processing disorder. Understanding the auditory process is crucial for diagnosing and treating these conditions. Additionally, the study of the auditory process contributes to advancements in technologies like hearing aids and cochlear implants, which aim to improve hearing for individuals with hearing impairments.
The roughened edge of the tympanic plate giving attachment to the cartilaginous portion of the auditory meatus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "auditory" originated from the Latin word "audire", which means "to hear". It was formed from the combination of the prefix "au-" (meaning "to perceive or perform an act") and the root word "dīcere" (meaning "to speak or say"). The suffix "-tory" indicates the function or process, thus giving "auditory" the meaning of "related to hearing or the sense of hearing".
The word "process" has a different etymology. It traces back to the Latin word "processus", derived from the verb "procedere", which means "to come forth" or "to advance". It contains the prefix "pro-" (meaning "forward" or "in favor of") and the verb "cedere" (meaning "to go" or "to yield").