Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology of the Organs of Hearing, Vision, and Speech - Shvetsov A.G. 2006

Auditory analyzer

Hearing is the reflection of reality in the form of acoustic phenomena. The hearing of living organisms evolved through their interaction with the environment to ensure the perception and analysis of acoustic signals from both animate and inanimate nature, signaling environmental events, which is essential for survival. Auditory information is particularly indispensable where Vision is limited, allowing for the timely acquisition of reliable information about living organisms before encountering them.

Hearing is mediated by The activity of mechanical, receptor, and neural structures that convert sound vibrations into nerve impulses. Together, these structures constitute the Auditory Analyzer—the second most important sensory system involved in adaptive responses and human cognitive activity. Hearing makes our perception of the world richer and more vibrant; therefore, hearing loss or deprivation in childhood significantly affects a child's cognitive and reasoning abilities, as well as The Development of their intellect.

The special role of the auditory analyzer in humans is associated with articulate speech, as auditory perception is its foundation. Any hearing impairment during the period of speech acquisition leads to developmental delays or deaf-mutism, even though the child's entire articulatory apparatus remains intact. In adults who already possess speech, hearing impairment does not lead to speech disorders, although it severely hinders communication in their professional and social activities.

The auditory analyzer includes:

§ the receptor (peripheral) apparatus—the outer, middle, and Inner ear;

§ the conducting (intermediate) apparatus—the auditory nerve;

§ the central (cortical) apparatus—the auditory centers in the temporal lobes of the cerebral hemispheres.