how can we hear several sounds at once?

Question

if we hear sounds when our eardrums vibrate and the bones inside etc, how can we hear multiple sounds at once? wouldnt there just be interference as the vibrations all combine and muddle it up

Answer 1

cause all the sounds are put together into one and THEN sent to the brain

Answer 2

Our eardrums vibrate sympathetically with any and all noises in the air. When there are multiple sound sources present, they simply add together and are both present simultaneously. They do not "muddle". It is only our limited (though still impressive) ability to select one sound out of many simultaneous sounds that makes things muddled.

Computers with specialized software are capable of distinguishing a single voice out of thousands of voices all speaking randomly at the same volume. Humans are not this accurate, but we can usually pick out a single voice out of a dozen people talking at the same volume.

Answer 3

you would hear a combination of both sounds - so you'll hear the mixture of sound A and B producing sound C. Your brain will only register one sound at a time. and two sounds of different frequencies will create a new sound of 3rd frequency. you'll hear this frequency. if that made any sense...