What is the Science of Ears Hearing?
The science of ears hearing is the study of how sound is transmitted and heard by the ears. It involves an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the ear, the physics of sound and the mechanisms of hearing. This science also includes the study of hearing loss and the effects of noise on hearing.
How Does the Ear Transmit and Receive Sound?
Sound waves enter the external auditory canal and strike the eardrum, causing it to vibrate. This vibration is then transmitted through the middle ear bones to the inner ear, where it is converted into electrical signals. The electrical signals then travel to the brain, where they are interpreted as sound.
What Are the Anatomy and Physiology of the Ear?
The anatomy and physiology of the ear involve the structures and functions of the outer, middle and inner ear. The outer ear consists of the pinna and the external auditory canal, which leads to the eardrum. The middle ear contains the ossicles, three small bones which transmit sound to the inner ear. The inner ear contains the cochlea, which is a snail-shaped organ filled with fluid and hair cells, which transform sound waves into electrical signals.
What Are the Physics of Sound?
The physics of sound involve the properties of sound waves, including frequency, amplitude, wavelength and speed. Frequency is the number of vibrations per second and is measured in hertz (Hz). Amplitude is the height of the wave, measured in decibels (dB). Wavelength is the distance between successive peaks of the wave, measured in meters. Speed is the rate of the wave’s travel, measured in meters per second (m/s).
What Are the Mechanisms of Hearing?
The mechanisms of hearing involve the processes of sound transduction, signal processing and perception. Sound transduction is the conversion of sound energy into nerve impulses. Signal processing is the transformation of the nerve impulses into meaningful information. Perception is the interpretation of the information by the brain.
What Causes Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss is caused by damage to the structures of the ear or the auditory nerve, or by interference with the mechanisms of hearing. Damage can be caused by exposure to loud noise, certain medications, diseases and aging. Interference can be caused by wax buildup, fluid buildup or foreign objects in the ear.
What Are the Effects of Noise on Hearing?
Noise can have both short-term and long-term effects on hearing. Short-term effects include temporary hearing loss and tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing in the ears. Long-term effects include permanent hearing loss, which can lead to difficulty hearing and understanding speech and other sounds.
