Hearing

Question 1

What are the two basic functions of hearing?

Answer 1

To detect any vibrations in the air

Responsible for balance and sensing acceleration

Question 2

What are the three divisions of the ear?

Answer 2

Outer ear
Middle ear
Inner ear

Question 3

Describe the outer ear

Answer 3

It directs sound down the auditory canal and onto the eardrum

Question 4

Describe the middle ear

Answer 4

Beyond the eardrum

Vibrations from eardrum transmit to 3 bones called ossicles

Question 5

What are the names of the ossicles?

Answer 5

Hammer
Anvil
Stirrup

Question 6

Describe the inner ear

Answer 6

Filled with fluid

Connected to the cochlea which has basilar membranes that detect movement that sends signals to the brain

Question 7

How does air refresh in the ear?

Answer 7

Through the eustachian tube

Question 8

Which regulation replaced the Noise at Work Regulations 1989?

Answer 8

The control of noise at work regulations 2005

Question 9

What is the aim of the Noise Regulation?

Answer 9

To ensure the workers hearing is protected from excessive noise, which could cause them to lose their hearing or to suffer from tinnitus

Question 10

When did the noise regulations come into full force for all industry sectors in GB?

Answer 10

April 6th 2006

Question 11

How does the middle ear protect against sounds above 80dB?

Answer 11

Two muscles activating the acoustic/aural reflex which reduces sounds by up to 20dB

Question 12

Where is the Basilar Membrane found?

Answer 12

In the Cochlea

Question 13

What is the Exposure Limit value of 87dB?

Answer 13

The level that must not be exceeded when wearing hearing protection

Question 14

What will the employer do if the noise level at the ear reaches 87dB, taking account of any reduction in noise level?

Answer 14

Work must cease until a solution is provided to reduce the exposure level to below 87dB

Question 15

What is noise induced hearing loss?

Answer 15

Reduced hearing ability due to exposure of noise

Can be temporary or permenant

Question 16

What is a noise dose?

Answer 16

The combination of duration and intensity of noise

Question 17

By how many decibels does the sound constitute a noise dose?

Answer 17

over 80dB

Question 18

What is Time Weighted Average Sound level

Answer 18

Used to calculate a workers daily exposure to noise , taking into account the daily or weekly exposure

Question 19

What is the typical audio range for a young person?

Answer 19

20-20000 Hz

Question 20

What is the required level at which the employer must provide hearing protection and hearing protection zones?

Answer 20

85dB or more on a daily and weekly average exposure

If normal speech cannot be heard at 1 meter

Question 21

What is the required level at which the employer must assess the risk to worker’s health and provide them with information and training?

Answer 21

80dB or over

If speech cannot be heard at 2 meters

Question 22

What is the term used to describe hearing that is naturally deteriorating?

Answer 22

Presbycusis