Normally, if you hear a sound, you have some idea of where the sound came from. But when a scuba diver hears a sound underwater, it is virtually impossible to tell where it came from.

1. Why?

2. Can you suggest some form of underwater hearing aid type device that would allow more accurate underwater sound localization?

(In reply to re: Questioning the answers... by Charlie)

...which is why we move our heads in weird positions when we're trying to find that annoying hum or pure tone eminating from some device.

Very low frequencies are 'heard' through the chest and abdominal cavity, which makes it easier to determine if that sound is coming from in front or from behind us.

Posted by Erik O. on 2005-04-14 14:39:12