In the inner ear, where are high frequencies processed?

In the inner ear, high frequencies are processed at the base of the cochlea. This stems from the tonotopic organization of the cochlea, where different frequencies of sound are mapped to specific locations along its length. The base of the cochlea is narrower and stiffer compared to the apex, making it more responsive to higher frequency sounds.

As sound waves enter the cochlea, the basilar membrane vibrates, and this vibration occurs more prominently in the stiff base region for high-frequency sounds. Conversely, lower frequencies are processed at the apex, which is wider and more flexible. Understanding this anatomical feature is crucial for grasping how frequency encoding occurs in the auditory system and is foundational when studying hearing disorders and their impact across the lifespan.