Sound Conduction and Attenuation

Question 1

What is Impedance Matching?

Answer 1

Force applied to the fluid has to be greater than the force that came through the Tympanic Membrane in order to move the fluid bc fluid has greater inertia

Question 2

Impedance Matching
55 divided by 3.2 = 17
17 x 1.3 = 22

Answer 2

22 x more force on the stapes is required to move fluid than air

Question 3

What is Sound Attenuation

Answer 3

The ability to decrease sound by reflexive action of the Stapedius muscle and Tensor Tympani

Question 4

What kind of muscle is the Tensor Tympani?

Answer 4

Skeletal muscle- the smallest skeletal muscle in the body

Question 5

How does the Stapedius muscle attenuate sound?

Answer 5

Bc it is attached to the ossicles, when it contracts, it decreases their motion which decreases sound

Question 6

Decreased Ossicle conduction decreases sound decibels by how much?

Answer 6

30-40 decibels

Question 7

Additional actions of sound attenuation

Answer 7

Protects Cochlea and decreases background noise