The mechanisms that give rise to the illusion are not well understood, but it seems to have something to do with hemispheric asymmetry. Individual differences in how the illusion is heard often correlate with handedness (ie whether you're left or right-handed)
Hmmm. I pasted the RadioLab link in my description (I just listened to it yesterday) but I guess it didn't show. RadioLab is great! I'm just getting into it and I have 4 years of episodes to catch up on!
Be sure to use headphones and prepare to be surprised!
http://philomel.com/musical_illusions/example_octave_illusio...
The mechanisms that give rise to the illusion are not well understood, but it seems to have something to do with hemispheric asymmetry. Individual differences in how the illusion is heard often correlate with handedness (ie whether you're left or right-handed)