Frequency

In audiology, frequency is the number of vibrations that occur in one second. It is measured in hertz (Hz), and the human hearing range is typically from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.

What is Frequency in Audiology?

Frequency is the pitch of a sound. The higher the frequency, the higher the pitch. For example, a high-pitched sound like a bird chirping has a higher frequency than a low-pitched sound like a foghorn.

What is the Frequency of Hearing Sounds?

The frequency of hearing sounds ranges from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. However, the ability to hear high-frequency sounds decreases with age. By the time people reach their 60s, they may not be able to hear sounds above 10,000 Hz.

Why is Frequency Important in Hearing?

Frequency is important in hearing because it allows us to distinguish between different sounds. For example, we can distinguish between a bird chirping and a foghorn because they have different frequencies.

How Does Frequency Work for Hearing?

Sound waves travel through the air and cause the eardrum to vibrate. The vibrations of the eardrum are then transmitted to the ossicles, which are three small bones in the middle ear. The ossicles amplify the vibrations and transmit them to the inner ear. The inner ear contains the cochlea, which is a spiral-shaped structure that contains hair cells. The hair cells convert the vibrations into electrical signals, which are then sent to the brain. The brain interprets these signals as sound.

Conclusion

Frequency is an important concept in audiology. It is the pitch of a sound, and it allows us to distinguish between different sounds. Frequency is measured in hertz, and the human hearing range is typically from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. The ability to hear high-frequency sounds decreases with age.