Psychoacoustics
Studying natural and artificial sound requires both the scientific knowledge to understand
how our auditory systems work, as well as technical know-how to grapple with the mountains
of equipment needed to record and process sounds.
Acoustic ecology is broken down into nine categories. Those categories (low-frequency
noise, medical research, psychoacoustics, architecture, urban planning, community impacts,
industrial research, education and environmental studies) encompass the many backgrounds
and interests of those who study natural and artificial sound.
Psychoacoustics is a branch of acoustic ecology that focuses on the human auditory system.
It studies how we respond to incoming sound.
“Psychoacoustics is a sophisticated subject,” Truax says. “It's often
confused with the study of how humans respond emotionally.”
For instance, researchers have used psychoacoustic knowledge to document how our ears
and brains respond to certain sounds. Psychoacousticians also analyze how humans separate
simultaneous sounds and how the ear and brain determine the pitch of musical instruments,
among other topics.
That work is distinct from the research that has shown loud noise creates increased
muscle tension, while also boosting heart rate, blood pressure and repertory rhythm.
Studies have documented increased stress levels, sleep deprivation, aggressive behaviour
and decreased productivity—all because of loud noises that disturb our natural,
physical, mental and emotional patterns.
Remember this the next time someone tells you they work best with the music cranked
high.
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