ear function

alternating high and low pressure waves traveling through the particles in the air (vibrations of particles in the air)

what is sound?

frequency (Hz)

number of waves per given unit of time

the higher the pitch

the higher the frequency, the more energy, ???

aplitude (dB)

the height of the waves, how much pressure

the louder the noise

the taller the waves—?

the auditory cortex on the temporal lobe

where is sound processed in the brain?

conduction deafness

deafness due to faulty mechanical transmission in the ear, usually due to a blockage— occurs in middle ear and usually caused by otitis media

sensorineural deafness

deafness caused by damage to hair cells or neuron pathway, usually caused by loud noises or drugs in the ear (certain antibiotics)

tinnitus

constant ringing in the ears caused by damage to hair cells (permanently bent) always hear that sound so never hear it

semicircular canals

structure of ear that detects rotational acceleration of head in space

vestibule

structure in the ear that is aware of head position

linear and rotational movements

fluid moves in opposite direction of head movement during…

vertigo

dizziness due to sensation of instability, spinning, or loss of balance caused my damage to semicircular canals of CN VIII

nystagamus

eyes jumping back and forth due to damage to semicircular canals or CNVIII, consequence of severe ear infection or spinning

motion sickness

mismatch between inner ear input and visual input, excessive sensory input (fair rides)

space sickeness

utricle and saccule are no longer stimulated so the brain doesn’t know how the head is positioned, loses track of how to use macula