This book deals with the way that the auditory system processes acoustic signals. Since the first edition appeared, rapid and exciting developments have been made in several areas which bear on this theme, most notably in the understanding of cochlear function, including cochlear mechanics, hair cell function and mechanisms of transduction. The sections of the book dealing with these areas have been completely rewritten. Every chapter has been completely revised in the light of developments in the field. A reading scheme has been provided to guide readers to the sections most appropriate for their interest. The book is written at a level suitable for undergraduates studying the special senses or as a basis for a range of more advanced studies.