It is likely that your brain is using sound cues for echolocation. Echolocation is the use of sound waves and echoes to determine where objects are. One of the most important is the sound wave interference patterns that happen in front of sound reflecting objects. There are several demonstrations that can be done for you to consciously hear the change in interference patterns. It is likely that your brain is often detecting quieter interference patterns all the time, without your conscious awareness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHYCs8xtzUI
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Personally, I found the chapter on echolocation to be extremely interesting as well as informative. The chapter talked about several different demonstrations that could be practiced in order to understand echolocation.To add to the demonstration part of your post, the one that I enjoyed the most was the "shhhing" interference demonstration. The first time using my mouth, I continually performed the "shhhing" sound as I used one of my hands to move back and forth making the sound coming from my mouth sound different depending on how close or far my hand was from my lips. After this task, I decided to also try the same one but using the wall this time. As stated in the textbook, the object of this task was to be able to recognize how close you were getting to the wall by listening to how the sound of your "shhhing" changed with the proximity of the wall. After completing these tasks, I was able to better understand how blind people are able to feel and hear their way around different places. I also found it interesting that you as the participant do not actually have to emit a sound to echolocate. This chapter allowed for me to broaden my understanding of how the blind actually use their environment (particularly sounds) to their advantage!
ReplyDeleteThis was one of our first chapters, and one of my favorites. The video you used was very interesting. It was fascinating to see echolocation in action instead of reading about it. Additionally, I like the point you made about it not being in your conscious. I have been more mindful about hearing things happening and trying to judge the distance since reading the chapter. Overall, I enjoyed this post and the video. Awesome job!
ReplyDeleteI too agree with Madison and Michelle, when I first read this chapter I was totally amazed. I even sent an email to Professor Berg letting him know that this chapter just blew my mind. I work at a specific Ed school and I have a boy who just graduated from transition and he is blind. Everyday he makes a "Shhhh" while he is sitting or walking down the hallway or to the cafeteria. I use to think it was annoying but after reading this chapter I apologize for me not knowing that he was using his echolocation to hear the sound waves of different objects that surrounds him. I find this chapter amazing and interested.
ReplyDeleteI found this chapter interesting as well. If you watch the hallways at school, people walk while staring at their phones or notes without bumping into each other or obstacles. I always wondered how they were capable of doing so, but this chapter made it make sense. Although they are not using active echolocation, they are using whats called passive echolocation. The noises of other people, scuffing of shoes, and other noises give cues to the ears as to where obstacles stand and help people unconciously navigate around their environment.
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