Frequency-domain analysis mirrors how the human ear processes sound

Evidence

Representing signals in the frequency domain, as decompositions into their frequency components, is important not only as a powerful signal processing technique but also because it resembles the way the human ear analyses signals. Audio signals that we are able to hear as sounds are thus often analysed by means of frequency transforms in order to find their audible features and cues. — Ville Pulkki, Matti Karjalainen, Communication Acoustics- An…, 377

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to the reader’s existing soundscape/audio work where frequency-based signal decomposition maps onto human perception. — connects to: Frequency-domain analysis may hide the very properties that make violins great — Eric J. Heller, Why You Hear What You Hear- An…, 1780; Hearing waveform beats proves the ear detects time-domain shape; Outer and middle ear structures provide frequency-specific amplification of incoming sound — Jennifer Lentz, Psychoacoustics- Perception of Normal…, 212 (+18 more)
• corroborated: 3 independent passages support this claim — Ville Pulkki, Matti Karjalainen, Communication Acoustics- An…, 377

Broader Connections

• The ear decomposes complex sounds into summed place responses #exemplifies (0.85)
• The basilar membrane’s mechanics enable the inner ear’s frequency analysis #expands (0.82) — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 547
• Outer and middle ear structures provide frequency-specific amplification of incoming sound #expands (0.80) — Jennifer Lentz, Psychoacoustics- Perception of Normal…, 212
• Outer and middle ear transfer function determines loudness across frequency. #expands (0.80)
• Complex real-world sounds can be analyzed via Fourier analysis #exemplifies (0.80) — David Howard, Jamie Angus, coustics and Psychoacoustics, 436
• Hearing analyzes pitch through both place and timing mechanisms #complicates (0.80)
• The physical structure of the ear itself shapes and constructs perceived sound #expands (0.78) — George Michelsen Foy, Zero Decibels, 561
• An auditory spectrum maps cochlear excitation level against ERB-scaled frequency #exemplifies (0.75)
• Psychoacoustic tuning curves directly reflect cochlear mechanical processing. #exemplifies (0.72) — Professor Dr.-Ing. Hugo Fastl, Professor Dr.-Ing. Eberhard, Psychoacoustics- Facts and Models, 223