Ear Hearing and Balance

Question 1

The Eustachian Tube.

Answer 1

Allows for equalisation of air pressure on both sides of the eardrum. Altitude changes the air pressure values.

When it’s blocked it will disrupt the airflow.
The pressure differential between the outer ear and eardrum will cause the eardrum to bulge in either direction.

Question 2

Flying with a cold.

Answer 2

Increase risk of damage to inner ear and sinuses.

Question 3

The Cochlea.

Answer 3

Bony structure shaped like a snail, filled with 2 fluids (endolymph and preilymph) and very small capillary cells.
The movement of these cells will be dependant on the volume and pitch of the original sound.
The amount and frequency displacement is detected by the auditory nerve which leads directly to the cortex of the brain where the tiny electrical currrents are decoded into sounds patterns.

Question 4

Noise Induced Hearing Loss.

Answer 4

Due to overexposure to sounds greaater than 90 decibels.

Question 5

Conductive Hearing loss.

Answer 5

Internal damage or blockage.

Question 6

Presbycusis.

Answer 6

Age related hearing loss

Question 7

Vestibular System.

Answer 7

The semi-circular canals and otoliths are part of our balance system.
As head rotates, cupula bends in the opposite direction.

Question 8

Air Motion Sickness.

Answer 8

Restlessness, increased saliva, cold sweat, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, headache.