As the eardrum is made to vibrate more rapidly, the sound is perceived as:

When the eardrum vibrates more rapidly, the frequency of the sound waves increases, which is perceived by the human ear as a higher pitch. This is rooted in the way our auditory system interprets sound; frequency refers to how many times a sound wave cycles per second, and higher frequencies produce higher pitches. Thus, an increase in the rate of vibration of the eardrum indicates a higher frequency of sound, leading to the perception of higher pitch.

Other factors tied to sound intensity and overall sound pressure levels are not directly related to the rate of vibration itself regarding the perception of pitch. Instead, those elements would pertain more to how loud or soft a sound might be rather than its pitch. This distinction is important for understanding auditory perception in the context of frequency and intensity.