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Physics of the ear key terms
Study Physics of the ear with curriculum-aligned Key Terms resources, practice links, and exam-focused support.
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key terms
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Topic
Physics of the ear
Key terms
Eardrum
A thin membrane that vibrates in response to sound waves, transmitting sound to the ossicles.
Cochlea
A spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear that converts sound vibrations into nerve signals for the brain.
Amplitude
The maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation, measured from the position of equilibrium.
Frequency
The number of complete cycles of a wave that occur in a unit of time, typically measured in hertz (Hz).
Eardrum
A thin membrane that vibrates in response to sound waves, transmitting sound to the ossicles.
Cochlea
A spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear that converts sound vibrations into nerve signals for the brain.
Eardrum
A thin membrane that vibrates in response to sound waves, converting sound vibrations into mechanical energy.
Cochlea
A spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear that converts mechanical vibrations from the ossicles into nerve signals for the brain.
frequency response curve
A graphical representation showing how the sensitivity of hearing varies with different frequencies of sound.
hearing sensitivity
The ability of the ear to detect sounds at various frequencies, which can vary among individuals.
Hearing Sensitivity Variation
Hearing sensitivity varies with frequency due to the resonance characteristics of the ear structures, which affect sound wave amplification, leading to different perception levels across frequencies.
Frequency Response
Frequency response refers to the ear's ability to detect sound at various frequencies, influenced by the mechanical properties of the eardrum and ossicles, resulting in a range of sensitivity to different sound pitches.
decibel (dB)
A unit used to measure the intensity of sound, defined as ten times the logarithm of the ratio of a particular sound power to a reference sound power.
frequency response curve
A graphical representation showing how the sensitivity of hearing varies with different frequencies of sound.
Hearing Threshold
The minimum sound level at which a person can detect a sound, typically measured in decibels (dB).
Frequency Response
The range of frequencies that a hearing system can detect, often represented in a graph showing sensitivity at different frequencies.
conductive hearing loss
A type of hearing loss caused by problems in the outer or middle ear that prevent sound from being conducted to the inner ear.
sensorineural hearing loss
A type of hearing loss resulting from damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, affecting sound processing.
Hearing Aid Functionality
Hearing aids amplify sound to improve hearing by converting sound waves into electrical signals, which are then processed and amplified.
Sound Amplification
The process of increasing the strength of sound waves, allowing individuals with hearing loss to perceive sounds more clearly.
conductive hearing loss
A type of hearing loss caused by problems in the outer or middle ear that prevent sound from being conducted to the inner ear.
sensorineural hearing loss
A type of hearing loss resulting from damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, affecting sound processing.
Eardrum
A thin membrane that vibrates in response to sound waves, transmitting sound to the ossicles.
Cochlea
A spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear that converts sound vibrations into nerve signals for the brain.
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