Sound and Hearing: Sound Localization

Judging Direction:

Aim: To investigate if a person can tell which direction a sound is coming from.

Instructions:

Blindfold the person being tested or have them close their eyes and cover them with their hand.

Stand at eight different points of "the compass" around the person and make a sound. Wait for them to point in the direction that they think the sound is coming from. If they get the direction right place a tick in the circle best representing the direction. Place a

cross if they get it incorrect. Repeat procedure for one ear.

Questions to Answer:

1) Do different noises produce different results?

2) Does it make a difference if one ear is covered?

3) Suggest 3 different thing you could do to improve your investigation of direction

Two Ears One Ear

Judging Distance:

Aim: To determine how hard or easy it is to judge distance using one or two ears.

Instructions:

Make an X on the floor with tape or chalk or erasable marker. Measure distances in a straight line in increments of 1 m from the X and label each of these

points with the distance it is from the X (2 m, 4 m, 6m, etc.) Now for the test. Place a blindfolded subject on the X. Now, you stand on one of the points away from the X. Say the subject's name. The subject must now tell you which line you are standing on

Two Ears One EarEstimated Distance Actual Distance Estimate Distance Actual Distance

1) Do you think it is easier to judge distance with one ear or two ears? Explain you answer.

The Confusaphone

Draw a labelled diagram of the confusaphone:

Describe what happened during the demonstration of the confusaphone. How does it affect human hearing?