Exam-style question
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Why do individuals often struggle to hear high-frequency sounds as they age?.
- A.The eardrum becomes less flexible
- B.Hair cells in the cochlea are damaged
- C.Ossicles lose their connection
- D.Sound waves travel slower in older ears
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Hair cells in the cochlea are damaged
Explanation
Why this works
Hair cells in the cochlea are damaged as a result of aging, which is the cause of the struggle to hear high-frequency sounds. The mechanism involves the gradual loss of these sensory cells, leading to the effect of reduced sensitivity to high frequencies.
Consequently, this results in difficulties in understanding speech and other sounds that contain high-frequency components, affecting communication.
Common mistake
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