Sound Source — Reading Comprehension

Sound is a type of energy that moves in waves called sound waves. These waves travel through the air until they reach your ears. When something makes a sound, like a dog barking or a bell ringing, it creates vibrations. Vibrations are quick back-and-forth movements that cause the air around them to move, creating sound waves.

Your ears are made to catch sound waves. Each ear is on a different side of your head. When a sound happens, the sound waves usually reach one ear a tiny bit before they reach the other ear. Your brain notices which ear hears the sound first and which one hears it louder. If a sound is closer to your right ear, your right ear will hear it first and a little louder than your left ear.

Your brain uses this information to figure out where the sound is coming from. This process is called sound localization. It helps you know if a car is coming from behind you, or if someone is calling your name from across the playground.

Inside your ears, there are special parts called the eardrum and the inner ear. The eardrum vibrates when sound waves hit it. The inner ear then sends signals to your brain about the sound. Your brain puts all the information together to help you understand not only what the sound is, but also where it is coming from.

Animals also use sound localization. For example, owls can turn their heads to find small animals in the dark by listening carefully. Bats use sound waves and their special hearing to fly and catch insects at night.

Interesting Fact: Some people and animals can use only one ear if they have to, but it is much harder to tell where sounds come from without two working ears!

What carries sound through the air?

What do vibrations create?

Which organ helps you locate sounds?

Why do you need two ears?

What happens if the sound is closer to the left ear?

How do bats use sound?

Owls use sound to find food. True or false?

What is 'sound localization'?