Sound waves travel at different speeds depending on the medium, with the fastest in solids like steel and slowest in gases like air. The properties of sound waves include speed, intensity and loudness, frequency and pitch, and timber or quality. Intensity depends on amplitude and distance from the source, and is measured in decibels. Frequency determines pitch, with higher frequencies being higher pitched. The ear has an outer, middle, and inner section that detects sound waves and sends signals to the brain.