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@millie.pabout 2 months ago
How does the cochlea convert sound waves into neural signals?
I’m curious about how the ear actually translates sound into something the brain can understand. What’s happening inside the cochlea when sound waves enter, and how are these vibrations turned into electrical signals? Are there any common disorders that affect this process?
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Replies (3)
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@chloehill_4
Sound waves make the fluid in the cochlea vibrate, which moves tiny hair cells. These hair cells turn the vibrations into electrical signals that travel to the brain via the auditory nerve.
about 2 months ago
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@bella_knight
Different parts of the cochlea respond to different frequencies, so we can hear both high and low pitches. Damage to the hair cells can cause hearing loss because they don’t grow back.
about 2 months ago
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@matthew_k2
It’s pretty amazing how mechanical energy (sound) gets turned into something our brains can interpret as music or speech. The cochlea is like a tiny, super-sensitive microphone!
about 2 months ago