Chapter 3.7-3.9

Question 1

Sound waves and its 3 components

Answer 1

sound waves are the vibrations of molecules in the air around us

1) Pitch: frequency of waves
2) Volume: amplitude of waves
3) Timbre: richness in the tone of the sound

Question 2

Hertz (hZ)

Answer 2

the measurement of frequency in cycles per second

Human limit is anywhere 20-20,000 with most sensitivity between 2,000-4,000

Question 3

The Outer Ear (2)

Answer 3

1) Pinna: external visible part of the ear that funnels sound waves from the outside into the structure of the ear
2) Auditory Canal: the short tunnel sound waves run down until they hit the eardrum (tympanic membrane)

Question 4

The Middle Ear (3 bones and their collective name)

Answer 4

The Ossicles: 3 tiny bones that vibrate when waves hit the eardrum

1) Malleus: the hammer
2) Incus: the anvil
3) Stapes: the stirrup, causes inner-ear membrane to vibrate

Question 5

The Inner Ear (importance and 2 parts)

Answer 5

where transduction into a neural signal takes place

1) Cochlea: snail-shaped structure fille with vibration-sensitive fluid. Contains the basilar membrane and Organ of Corti, which contains the receptor cells for hearing
2) Auditory Nerve: axon receptors of hair cells that mass neural message to the Thalamus and Auditory Cortex

Question 6

Pitch

Answer 6

how high or low a sound is

Question 7

Pitch Perception Theories (3 and their creators)

Answer 7

1) Place Theory: Hemholtz and revised by Békésy, pitch depends on where the hair cells in the Organ of Corti are stimulated. Place theory works for medium and high pitches.
2) Frequency Theory: Rutherford, pitch is based off of how fast the basilar membrane vibrates (faster - higher pitch). Frequency theory works for low pitches.
3) Volley Principle: Wever and Bray, groups of auditory nerves take turns firing, breaking the hZ processed into chunks

Question 8

Conduction Hearing Impairment (alternative name)

Answer 8

conductive hearing loss, problems with the mechanics of the outer or middle ear, can often be treated by hearing aids

Question 9

Nerve Hearing Impairment (alternative name)

Answer 9

sensorineural hearing loss, problems lie within the inner ear or in the auditory pathways/cortical areas of the brain

Question 10

Tinnitus (definition and treatment)

Answer 10

ringing in one’s ear caused by infection or damage from loud noises

Cochlear Implant: uses technology, microphone translates signals into electrodes that are implanted in the Cochlea to be transduced