After a small section of his basilar membrane was damaged, Dimitri experienced a noticeable loss of hearing for high-pitched sounds only.Dimitri's hearing loss is best explained using the theory of pitch perception known as the:
A)frequency theory
B)Young-Helmholtz theory
C)place theory
D)opponent-process theory

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The place theory of pitch perception states that different frequencies of sound waves activate different areas of the basilar membrane, and that the location of activation corresponds to the perceived pitch of the sound. Therefore, damage to a specific section of the basilar membrane can cause a loss of hearing for a particular range of pitches. In Dimitri's case, his hearing loss for high-pitched sounds only suggests that only a small section of his basilar membrane is damaged, which is consistent with the place theory of pitch perception.

After a Small Section of His Basilar Membrane Was Damaged