Which branch of phonetics focuses on how sounds are perceived by the ear?

Auditory phonetics is the branch of phonetics that specifically investigates how sounds are perceived by the ear. It encompasses the processes by which the auditory system interprets sound waves and converts them into recognizable speech. This includes studying the properties of sound that influence perception, such as frequency, amplitude, and duration, as well as how the brain processes auditory information related to speech sounds.

In contrast, articulatory phonetics focuses on how speech sounds are produced by the movements of speech organs. Acoustic phonetics deals with the physical properties of sound waves themselves, analyzing their production and transmission. Phonological phonetics, on the other hand, pertains to the abstract, cognitive aspects of sounds within a given language's phonological system, rather than the sensory experience of hearing those sounds. Thus, auditory phonetics is distinct in its focus on sound perception, making it the correct choice in this context.