G. L. Phoebe Wong _ Audiology in Context Flashcards
What is sound?
Sound refers to vibrations that travel through a medium, usually air (can also be water)
True or false : sound is a physical entity
True
Frequency refers to ____ and level refers to ____
Pitch; loudness/volume
How is level measured?
Level is measured in DECIBELS or dB
Define what sensation is (hint : ears)
Sensation here refers to the concept of hearing with our ears
Define what perception is
Here, perception refers to how we interpret information, otherwise known as “listening with our brain”
Describe the process of sound from waves to sound
(outer ear) Pinna –> ear canal –> (middle ear) eardum –> ossicles (3 smallest bones) –> (inner ear) cochlea –> outer hair cells –> auditory nerve –> auditory cortex
What is the difference between these two hearing assessments : otoscopy vs tympanometry
- Otoscopy - OUTER ear + eardrum test
- Tympanometry - OUTER ear + MIDDLE ear test
Tympanometry - what is used? what does it DO?
An EARPLUG with an air pump is used; it measures the movement of an eardrum
What are OAEs?
Otoacoustic emissions
How are OAEs conducted? What is their purpose?__
- OAEs, similar to tympanometry, are conducted with an EARPLUG playing SOUND
- Looks to test the function (how good) our outer hair cells are
OHCs make loud sounds ______ and quiet sounds _____
quieter, louder
If OAEs aren’t present, what does that mean for our ears?
Because OAEs make our ears ‘dance’, the absence of it means that there is damage in the outer, middle and inner ear.
True or false : OAES aren’t able to be tested on newborns.
False, they can be tested.
In audiometry, what are ‘thresholds’
Thresholds refer to the QUIETEST sounds heard at individual frequencies
What is the standard test in audiometry? Who can participate in this test?
Older kids and adults raise their hands whenever they hear a sound.
Describe the process of visual reinforcement audiometry and WHO it is for?
It is for babies, and it trains them to expect + turn their head to a lit up screen WHEN a sound comes on.
What are the 3 types of hearing loss? (CSM)
Conductive, sensorineural and mixed
Where does conductive hearing loss happen? Permanent or temporary? What is affected?
In the outer and middle ear; it is usually temporary or modified with surgery; loudness is affected
Where does sensorineural hearing loss happen? Permanent or temporary? What is affected?
In the inner ear and nerve, usually permanent (not fixable); clarity AND loudness are affected
Where does mixed hearing loss happen? Permanent or temporary? What is affected?
Outer/middle ear + inner ear (or nerve); is mixed so can be both; can be both
What is the difference between hard of hearing and deaf
Hard of hearing refers to the ability to hear some speech without devices and deaf means that you are unable to hear any speech without devices
What are the four levels of hearing that a hard of hearing individual might fit into?
Slight, mild, moderate, moderately severe
Provide 3 good examples of factors that are effects of hearing loss.
- Difficulty with frequencies
- The ‘listening situation’ - distance from speaker is challenging’
- Difficulty hearing the talker + their speech patterns
- SES and emo. support
- Cog difficulties
