I read this article over at Physics.org. It seem that there is a species of frogs that can tune their hearing. The summary also says that it is the only animal known to be able to do that. My observations have doubts about that. Observations are often the first step in understanding new correlations.
I have observed that parents have long been known to have the ability to tune their hearing. Unlike the frogs, I think it has more to do with post-eardrum processing. Regardless, I think we should study this matter further.
Remember the first time you asked Dad for the car? I know my father didn't hear me. There was silence, no acknowledgment... nothing.
I thought he had completely lost his hearing, seizing opportunity, I took the car. Apparently he did hear it start up. Unfortunately, convinced he was deaf and being a dumb sixteen year old with a one day old license, I didn't hear his screams over the burning rubber and revving engine. His hearing was perfectly normal in regards to me turn back into the driveway. Then, as I closed the car door, MY hearing was nearly ruptured by the verbal assault that ensued as if from one of the beast in the Book of Revelation.
