Subject: Re: Bite-induced pitch shift? From: Eric Clarke <e.f.clarke(at)SHEFFIELD.AC.UK> Date: Fri, 20 Jun 2003 17:36:12 +0100I'm surprised at the puzzlement over this effect. I've noticed it for years - but it's distinctly a small INCREASE in apparent pitch - perhaps 1/8 semitone (I've never tried to measure it). And I can get it by just clenching my teeth hard while listening to a pitch. I just confirmed it now with a piano note. I've no idea of the explanation - but I've always assumed that it was a slight stretching (tightening) of the tympanic membrane caused by the jaw muscle tension, or something like that - or I suppose the muscles attached to the ossicles. But I'd be astonished if it was a pitch effect caused by an intensity change. That seems more 'roundabout' than is justified. (Though I admit that my own hunch is quite possibly completely wrong). Eric Clarke ***************************** Eric Clarke, Music Department, University of Sheffield, 38 Taptonville Road, Sheffield S10 5BR, UK Tel.: +44 (0) 114 222 0472 Fax: +44 (0) 114 266 8053 http://www.shef.ac.uk/~mus/staff/ec/echomepage.html *****************************