How can humans perceive multiple sounds at once?
A) Each portion of the basilar membrane vibrates at a unique frequency, and multiple regions can be stimulated at the same time.
B) The more frequencies of sounds that are present, the further the sound travels into the cochlea.
C) We have two ears, each perceiving a subset of frequencies in the environment.
D) The fluid in the middle ear can transmit multiple frequencies to the oval window.
E) Sounds reaching the left or right ear result in different nerve impulses.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The basilar membrane within the cochlea of the inner ear is key to how we perceive sound. It is tonotopically organized, meaning different parts of the membrane vibrate in response to different frequencies. This allows multiple frequencies (and thus multiple sounds) to be processed simultaneously by stimulating different regions of the basilar membrane.

How Can Humans Perceive Multiple Sounds at Once