The Ear, Hearing + Balance - Chapter 7

Question 1

3 bones in the ear (ossicles) split as:

Answer 1

Malers, Incus and Stapes

Question 2

Inner ear is known as:

Answer 2

Choclea

Question 3

Outer and Middle ear filled with:

Answer 3

Air

Question 4

Inner ear filled with:

Answer 4

Liquid

Question 5

Eustachian tube’s main purpose:

Answer 5

To create an equal pressure on both sides of the ear drum

Question 6

The inner ear can receive sound via:

Answer 6

Inner & Middle ear

Bone conduction (this by-passes the outer and middle ear)

Info from choclea is received by the auditory nerve leading to the cortex of the brain

Question 7

Audible range is in between:

Answer 7

20 - 20,000 Hz

Question 8

Conductive deafness

Answer 8

Caused by damage to the conductive system or excessive ear wax

Question 9

Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

Answer 9

This is caused by a continued exposure to noise over 90 dB

This is classed as incurable

Question 10

Presbcusis

Answer 10

Loss of hearing due to age

Normally involves high-tone deafness

Question 11

An intermittent or sudden noise is __________ of a disruption than a continuous noise

Answer 11

More

Question 12

___________ frequency has a higher adverse effect on performance than __________ frequency

Answer 12

High………Low

Question 13

Semi-circular canals

Answer 13

Analyse angular acceleration and this is then passed to the cerebellum in the brain

Question 14

Otoliths detect?

Answer 14

Linear acceleration

Question 15

Otoliths is also known as:

Answer 15

Somitogravic effect/illusion

Question 16

Somoitogravic effects/illusions are:

Answer 16

Acceleration = illusion of climbing

Deceleration = illusion of pitching down

Question 17

Vestibular apparatus:

Answer 17

Semi-circular canals & the otoliths combined

Question 18

Semi-circular canals are also known as:

Answer 18

Somatogyral effect/illusion

This is also known as “The Leans”

Question 19

How is the somatogyral effect/illusion created?

Answer 19

1. The turn is so gentle that it doesn’t affect the canals and so when recovering from the turn, the pilot has the sensation of turning in the opposite direction
2. If the turn is prolonged, to allow the liquid to stabilise on recovery, the pilot has the sensation of turning in the opposite direction

Question 20

In IMC conditions, you should:

Answer 20

Look at your (and believe) your instruments

Question 21

In VMC conditions, you should:

Answer 21

Look at the horizon

Question 22

Graveyard Spin

Answer 22

This is when a pilot is in a prolonged spin and so the semi-circular canals settle so when recovering, the pilot over-compensates and re-enters the spin

Question 23

Vertigo

Answer 23

Sensation of Rotation, tumbling or turning

Question 24

Carillons Effect

Answer 24

Turning your head whilst already in a turn, can increase your disorientation

Where there is a conflict between two senses, the visual information will provide the most accurate representation of the real world

Question 25

Alcohol and disorientation:

Answer 25

Alcohol is not digested and so goes straight into the blood flow.

Alcohol lowers the specific gravity of the liquid within the inner ear, leading to increased signals from the otoliths and semi-circular canals

Question 26

Motion sickness symptoms:

Answer 26

Nausea
hyperventilation
Vomiting
Pallor (Go pale)

Question 27

How to cope with motion sickness

Answer 27

Keep head still
Steady A/C manoeuvres
Open the air vents

Consult an aviation doctor before taking medication