Physiology - Hearing

Question 1

What are the two pathways in hearing?

Answer 1

Conductive, sensoineural

Question 2

What is the cochlea?

Answer 2

A key aspect of hearing in the ear, it is a spiral shaped organ which forms the auditory component of the inner ear

Question 3

Describe the basic conduction of sound in the cochlea

Answer 3

Hair cells within the organ of corti produce electrical activity via endolymph and perilymph

Question 4

Describe the basic pathway of conductive hearing

Answer 4

Ear canal - tympanic membrane - ossicles

Question 5

Describe the basic pathway of sensorineural hearing

Answer 5

Cochlea - cochlear nerve - auditory cortex

Question 6

Once a neural impulse is formed within the Organ of Corti where does it travel?

Answer 6

Via the cochlear nerve VIII to the auditory cortex

Question 7

Name the three semi-circular canals

Answer 7

Posterior, horizontal, superior

Question 8

What is audiometry?

Answer 8

A subjective test involving the patient and the audiologist. Measures amplitude or intensity of sound and frequency

Question 9

What is tympanometry?

Answer 9

Measure of the tmpqanic membrane compliance involving middle ear and ear canal pressure. Because of the Eustachian tube, the pressure in the ear canal and the pressure in the middle ear should be the same

Question 10

What can tympanometry be used to detect?

Answer 10

Eustachian tube dysfunction

Middle ear effusion (glue-ear)