Introduction to Sound: Acoustics for the Hearing and Speech Sciences, 4th Edition

The Problem This Book Solves

Acoustics is the bedrock of audiology, speech-language pathology, and hearing science, yet many students find the physics of sound intimidating. Standard physics textbooks are too broad and not tailored to clinical applications. Introduction to Sound Speaks (the Fourth Edition by Charles E. Speaks) was written specifically to bridge this gap.

This book transforms abstract wave theory into intuitive concepts that directly apply to speech perception, hearing loss diagnostics, and amplification. It solves the problem of having to extrapolate general physics to the communication disorders field by providing a dedicated, focused curriculum.

Introduction to Sound Speaks, 4e – Hearing & Speech at a Glance

Introduction to Sound: Acoustics for the Hearing and Speech Sciences, Fourth Edition (2018) is a comprehensive textbook published by Plural Publishing. Authored by Charles E. Speaks, a distinguished professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota, the book has been the standard reference for introductory acoustics in communication sciences and disorders for decades.

The fourth edition maintains the clear, step-by-step pedagogy of earlier editions while updating examples and reinforcing core principles. It covers the physical properties of sound waves, the decibel scale, complex waveforms, resonance, filters, and the acoustics of speech production and perception.

Who Will Benefit Most

Designed for students in the speech-language-hearing sciences, this book is also highly valuable for practitioners who need to understand the acoustic principles underlying their clinical work. Its approach assumes no prior background in physics, making it accessible to beginners.

Specifically, the following professionals and learners will benefit most:

• Undergraduate and graduate students in audiology
• Speech-language pathology students
• Hearing science researchers
• Clinical audiologists
• Instructors in communication sciences and disorders
• Biomedical engineers with an interest in hearing
• Linguists studying speech acoustics

Inside: What You Will Master

This book systematically builds your understanding of sound. By working through the chapters, you will master:

1. The nature of sound waves and their physical parameters (frequency, amplitude, phase)
2. How to work with the decibel scale to measure sound intensity and pressure
3. The analysis of complex periodic waves using Fourier series
4. How resonance and filtering shape sound in the vocal tract and electronic systems
5. Acoustics of speech production: vowel and consonant acoustics
6. Sound transmission through the ear and the fundamentals of psychoacoustics
7. Clinical applications: hearing aid acoustics and acoustic immittance measures

Why Choose This Edition

Unlike general physics textbooks that cover acoustics only briefly, this book devotes its entire scope to the acoustics relevant to hearing and speech. It uses examples from speech and hearing science throughout, so students see immediate relevance.

Competing titles often lack the pedagogical aids that Speaks provides: learning objectives, margin notes, practice problems, and a clear progression from simple to complex. The Fourth Edition updates these features while retaining the proven structure that has educated generations of clinicians.

Furthermore, the book is concise yet thorough — it does not overwhelm with extraneous topics. It stays focused on what future audiologists and speech-language pathologists need.

About the Author

Charles E. Speaks, PhD, is a professor emeritus in the Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences at the University of Minnesota. With decades of teaching experience, he understands exactly how to present acoustic concepts to non-physics majors.

Plural Publishing is a premier publisher in the field of communication sciences and disorders, known for high-quality textbooks and clinical resources. The Fourth Edition of this book continues its tradition of excellence, having been thoroughly reviewed and updated for 2018.

Is It Worth It?

Yes, unequivocally. Introduction to Sound Speaks remains the gold standard for acoustics in the speech and hearing sciences. Its targeted approach, clear explanations, and strong pedagogical support make it the number one choice for instructors and students alike.

If you are serious about mastering acoustics for your clinical or research career, this textbook is a required investment. It saves you time by not making you sift through irrelevant material, and it builds a solid foundation for advanced study in audiology or speech science.

Download Introduction to Sound Speaks, 4e – Hearing & Speech Now

Now in its Fourth Edition (2018), this textbook is the most current and comprehensive resource for acoustics in communication sciences. Whether you are a student preparing for a career in audiology or a practicing clinician needing a reliable reference, Introduction to Sound delivers.

Order your copy of Introduction to Sound Speaks today and build the acoustic expertise that sets you apart. Published by Plural Publishing and written by Charles E. Speaks, this edition remains the definitive text in the field.