CSD Exam 1 Study Guide

Transduction

The process that changes sound from one form to another, converting acoustic information to electrical signals.

Loudness/Intensity

Measured in dB, it correlates with the height of sound waves.

Frequency/Pitch

Refers to the pitch of the sound; how high or low the sound is, measured in Hz.

Interaural Time Difference (ITD)

A cue used for horizontal localization of sound, where one ear hears the sound slightly before the other.

Interaural Level Difference (ILD)

A cue for sound localization that utilizes the difference in loudness between the ears.

Outer Ear

Composed of the pinna, ear canal, and eardrum, it collects sounds and directs them to the eardrum.

Middle Ear

Contains the ossicles (malleus, incus, stapes) and functions in impedance matching.

Inner Ear

Houses the cochlea and hair cells, where sound is converted to electrical signals.

Cochlea

A spiral-shaped, fluid-filled structure responsible for processing sound waves into electrical signals.

Organ of Corti

Located within the cochlea, it contains hair cells that convert vibrations into electrical signals.

Hearing Loss Prevention

Educating about noise-induced hearing loss and recommending ear protection.

Hearing Screenings

Quick tests conducted to identify possible hearing problems in various settings.

Hearing Testing

Comprehensive audiometric evaluations to diagnose types of hearing loss.

Cochlear Implants

Devices for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss, requiring assessment and programming.

Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI)

A national program aimed at identifying and managing hearing loss in infants.

Newborn Hearing Screening

A quick test for potential hearing loss performed on newborns before hospital discharge.

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)

A non-invasive test that checks cochlear function by measuring echoes produced in response to sound.

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)

A test measuring electrical activity in the auditory nerve and brainstem in response to sound.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Results from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, typically permanent.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Occurs when sound cannot pass efficiently through the outer or middle ear.

Impact of Untreated Hearing Loss

Can lead to social withdrawal, relationship strain, and increased risk of cognitive decline.

Audiogram

A graph that shows a person's hearing ability, mapping frequency against intensity.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

Hearing loss resulting from exposure to loud sounds, damaging cochlear hair cells.

Daily Dose of Sound

Total sound exposure throughout the day, defined using the 3 dB rule.

3 dB Rule

With every 3 dB increase in sound level, the safe exposure time is halved.