Despite the prevalence of ear wind noise, a singular, comprehensive explanation remains elusive due to the multifaceted nature of the phenomenon.  Research is fragmented across diverse disciplines, including acoustics, fluid dynamics, and psychoacoustics, each addressing specific aspects without integrating the complex interplay.

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Complexity of the Problem:

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• Intricate Ear Geometry: The human ear, with its complex structure, poses significant challenges for accurate modeling and measurement.

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• Turbulent Flow Complexity: Turbulent flow, especially around complex shapes, is notoriously difficult to model and predict.

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• Near-Field Effects: The near-field region around the ear, where wind noise originates, is dominated by complex interactions between hydrodynamic and acoustic phenomena.

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The field of aeroacoustics is complex, and the distinction between hydrodynamic and acoustic pressure is crucial for a full understanding of the sound generation by flow.  At Cat-Ears, we are bridging existing knowledge gaps by systematically investigating the generation, propagation, and perception of cycling related ear wind noise.

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When cycling, airflow interacts with the ear, creating complex velocity fluctuations in / around the concha cavity.  Since this airflow is largely incompressible at typical cycling speeds, the resulting local, non-propagating pressure fluctuations - the pseudo-sound component of wind noise - are directly governed by the Poisson equation.  This equation mathematically links the spatial derivatives of the turbulent velocity field within and near the concha to the instantaneous pseudo-sound pressure fluctuations, which the eardrum perceives as noise.