10.2.2

Sensitivity of the Ear

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Loudness Curves

Loudness curves can be produced using the following process.

Producing loudness curves

Producing loudness curves

Test subjects listen to pure tones at various frequencies and at different intensities, using headphones in a soundproof room.
For each frequency and intensity, they also listen to a reference tone at 1000 Hz.

Producing loudness curves 2

Producing loudness curves 2

The listener perceives when each tone is the same loudness as the test tone and a graph is produced of the sound level (measured in decibels) required to produce the same intensity at different frequencies.

Human Perception of Relative Intensity

The human ear does not respond linearly to sound pressure, but approximately in a logarithmic fashion.

Relative intensity

Relative intensity

Intensity is measured by comparison with a reference level.
Relative intensity (measured in bels) $= \log_{10}(\frac{I_1}{I_0})$
- where I₀ is 10^-12 Wm^-2.
In practice the decibel (dB) is used, so:
- Relative intensity $= 10 \log_{10}(\frac{I_1}{I_0})$ dB
1 decibel = 10 bels

Frequency dependence

Frequency dependence

The response of the ear to sound is dependent on the frequency of the sound.
The single sound pressure level obtained by simply adding the contribution from all frequencies will not correlate well with the non-linear frequency response of the human ear.

Frequency dependence 2

Frequency dependence 2

In the "A-weighting" scale, the sound pressure levels for the lower frequency bands and high frequency bands are reduced by certain amounts to give one single sound pressure level value.
This value is designated as dB(A).
The dB(A) more accurately reflects the frequency response of the human ear.

1

Measurements & Errors

1.1

Measurements & Errors

1.1.1SI Base Units 1.1.2Combining SI Units 1.1.3Prefixes of Units 1.1.4Standard Form 1.1.5Converting Units 1.1.6End of Topic Test - Units & Prefixes 1.1.7Limitation of Physical Measurements 1.1.8Uncertainty 1.1.9Estimation 1.1.10End of Topic Test - Measurements & Errors 1.1.11Diagnostic Misconceptions - Converting between SI 1.1.12Diagnostic Misconceptions - SI & Area/Volume

2

Particles & Radiation

2.1

Particles

2.1.1Atomic Model 2.1.2Specific Charge, Protons & Neutron Numbers 2.1.3End of Topic Test - Atomic Model 2.1.4Isotopes 2.1.5Stable & Unstable Nuclei 2.1.6End of Topic Test - Isotopes & Nuclei 2.1.7A-A* (AO3/4) - Stable & Unstable Nuclei 2.1.8Particles, Antiparticles & Photons 2.1.9Particle Interactions 2.1.10Classification of Particles 2.1.11End of Topic Test - Particles & Interactions 2.1.12Quarks & Antiquarks 2.1.13Application of Conservation Laws 2.1.14End of Topic Test - Leptons & Quarks 2.1.15Exam-Style Question - Radioactive Decay

2.2

Electromagnetic Radiation & Quantum Phenomena

2.2.1The Photoelectric Effect 2.2.2The Photoelectric Effect Explanation 2.2.3End of Topic Test - The Photoelectric Effect 2.2.4Collisions of Electrons with Atoms 2.2.5Energy Levels & Photon Emission 2.2.6Wave-Particle Duality 2.2.7End of Topic Test - Absorption & Emission 2.2.8Diagnostic Misconceptions - Electron Volts 2.2.9Diagnostic Misconceptions - Converting eV & Joules

3

Waves

3.1

Progressive & Stationary Waves

3.1.1Progressive Waves 3.1.2Wave Speed & Phase Difference 3.1.3Longitudinal & Transverse Waves 3.1.4End of Topic Test - Progressive Waves 3.1.5Polarisation 3.1.6Stationary Waves 3.1.7Stationary Waves 2 3.1.8End of Topic Test - Polarisation & Stationary Wave 3.1.9A-A* (AO3/4) - Stationary Waves

3.2

Refraction, Diffraction & Interference

3.2.1Interference 3.2.2Interference 2 3.2.3End of Topic Test - Interference 3.2.4Diffraction 3.2.5Diffraction Gratings 3.2.6End of Topic Test - Diffraction 3.2.7Refraction at a Plane Surface 3.2.8Internal Reflection & Fibre Optics 3.2.9End of Topic Test - Refraction 3.2.10Exam-Style Question - Waves

4

Mechanics & Materials

4.1

Force, Energy & Momentum

4.1.1Scalars & Vectors 4.1.2Vector Problems 4.1.3End of Topic Test - Scalars & Vectors 4.1.4Moments 4.1.5Centre of Mass 4.1.6End of Topic Test - Moments & Centre of Mass 4.1.7Motion in a Straight Line 4.1.8Graphs of Motion 4.1.9Bouncing Ball Example 4.1.10End of Topic Test - Motion in a Straight Line 4.1.11Acceleration Due to Gravity 4.1.12Projectile Motion 4.1.13Friction 4.1.14Terminal Speed 4.1.15End of Topic Test - Acceleration Due to Gravity 4.1.16Newton's Laws 4.1.17Momentum 4.1.18Momentum 2 4.1.19End of Topic Test - Newton's Laws & Momentum 4.1.20A-A* (AO3/4) - Newton's Third Law 4.1.21Work & Energy 4.1.22Power & Efficiency 4.1.23Conservation of Energy 4.1.24End of Topic Test - Work, Energy & Power 4.1.25Exam-Style Question - Forces 4.1.26Diagnostic Misconceptions - Perpendicular Vectors 4.1.27Diagnostic Misconceptions - Weight Acts Downwards 4.1.28Diagnostic Misconceptions - Acceleration Direction 4.1.29Diagnostic Misconceptions - Stationary Objects 4.1.30Diagnostic Misconceptions - Action & Reaction 4.1.31Diagnostic Misconceptions - RF Direction 4.1.32Diagnostic Misconceptions - RF Acceleration 4.1.33Diagnostic Misconceptions - Change in Momentum

4.2

Materials

4.2.1Density 4.2.2Bulk Properties of Solids 4.2.3Energy in Materials 4.2.4Young Modulus 4.2.5End of Topic Test - Materials

5

Electricity

5.1

Current Electricity

5.1.1Basics of Electricity 5.1.2Current-Voltage Characteristics 5.1.3End of Topic Test - Basics of Electricity 5.1.4Resistivity 5.1.5Superconductivity 5.1.6A-A* (AO3/4) - Superconductivity 5.1.7End of Topic Test - Resistivity & Superconductors 5.1.8Circuits 5.1.9Power and Conservation 5.1.10Potential Divider 5.1.11Emf & Internal Resistance 5.1.12End of Topic Test - Power & Potential 5.1.13Exam-Style Question - Resistance 5.1.14Diagnostic Misconceptions - Constant Current 5.1.15Diagnostic Misconceptions - Potential Difference

6

Further Mechanics & Thermal Physics (A2 only)

7

Fields & Their Consequences (A2 only)

7.1

Fields (A2 only)

7.2

Gravitational Fields (A2 only)

7.2.1Newton's Law 7.2.2Gravitational Field Strength 7.2.3Gravitational Potential 7.2.4Orbits of Planets & Satellites 7.2.5Escape Velocity & Synchronous Orbits 7.2.6End of Topic Test - Gravitational Fields

7.3

Electric Fields (A2 only)

7.3.1Coulomb's Law 7.3.2Electric Field Strength 7.3.3Electric Field Strength 2 7.3.4Electric Potential 7.3.5End of Topic Test - Electric Fields 7.3.6A-A* (AO3/4) - Electric and Gravitational Field

7.4

Capacitance (A2 only)

7.4.1Capacitance 7.4.2Parallel Plate Capacitor 7.4.3Energy Stored by a Capacitor 7.4.4Capacitor Discharge 7.4.5Capacitor Charge

7.5

Magnetic Fields (A2 only)

7.5.1Magnetic Flux Density 7.5.2End of Topic Test - Capacitance & Flux Density 7.5.3Moving Charges in a Magnetic Field 7.5.4Magnetic Flux & Flux Linkage 7.5.5Electromagnetic Induction 7.5.6Electromagnetic Induction 2 7.5.7Alternating Currents 7.5.8Operation of a Transformer 7.5.9Magnetic Flux Density 7.5.10End of Topic Test - Electromagnetic Induction

8

Nuclear Physics (A2 only)

8.1

Radioactivity (A2 only)

8.1.1Rutherford Scattering 8.1.2Alpha & Beta Radiation 8.1.3Gamma Radiation 8.1.4Radioactive Decay 8.1.5Half Life 8.1.6End of Topic Test - Radioactivity 8.1.7Nuclear Instability 8.1.8Nuclear Radius 8.1.9Mass & Energy 8.1.10Binding Energy 8.1.11Induced Fission 8.1.12Safety Aspects of Nuclear Reactors 8.1.13End of Topic Test - Nuclear Physics 8.1.14A-A* (AO3/4) - Nuclear Fusion

9

Option: Astrophysics (A2 only)

9.1

Telescopes (A2 only)

9.1.1Astronomical Telescopes 9.1.2Reflecting Telescopes 9.1.3Single Dish Radio Telescopes 9.1.4Large Diameter Telescopes

9.2

Classification of Stars (A2 only)

9.2.1Classification by Luminosity 9.2.2Absolute Magnitude 9.2.3Black Body Radiation 9.2.4Stellar Spectral Classes 9.2.5Hertzsprung-Russell Diagrams 9.2.6Astronomical Objects

9.3

Cosmology (A2 only)

9.3.1Doppler Effect 9.3.2Hubble's Law 9.3.3Quasars 9.3.4Detecting Exoplanets

10

Option: Medical Physics (A2 only)

10.1

Physics of the Eye (A2 only)

10.1.1Physics of Vision 10.1.2Defects of Vision 10.1.3Lenses 10.1.4Correcting Defects of Vision

10.2

Physics of the Ear (A2 only)

10.2.1Structure of the Ear 10.2.2Sensitivity of the Ear 10.2.3Hearing Defects

10.3

Biological Measurement (A2 only)

10.3.1Electrocardiography (ECG)

10.4

Non-Ionising Imaging (A2 only)

10.4.1Ultrasound Imaging 10.4.2Ultrasound Imaging 2 10.4.3Fibre Optics & Endoscopy 10.4.4Magnetic Resonance Scanning

10.5

X-Ray Imaging (A2 only)

10.5.1Diagnostic X-Rays 10.5.2X-Ray Image Processing 10.5.3Absorption of X-Rays 10.5.4CT Scanners

10.6

Radionuclide Imaging & Therapy (A2 only)

10.6.1Imaging Techniques 10.6.2Half Life 10.6.3Gamma Camera 10.6.4High Energy X-Rays 10.6.5Radioactive Implants 10.6.6Imaging Comparisons

11

Option: Engineering Physics (A2 only)

11.1

Rotational Dynamics (A2 only)

11.1.1Moment of Inertia 11.1.2Rotational Kinetic Energy 11.1.3Rotational Motion 11.1.4Torque & Angular Acceleration 11.1.5Angular Momentum 11.1.6Angular Work & Power

11.2

Thermodynamics & Engines (A2 only)

11.2.1First Law of Thermodynamics 11.2.2Non-Flow Processes 11.2.3p-V Diagrams 11.2.4Engine Cycles 11.2.5Second Law & Engines 11.2.6Reversed Heat Engines

12

Option: Turning Points in Physics (A2 only)

12.1

Discovery of the Electron (A2 only)

12.1.1Cathode Rays 12.1.2Thermionic Electron Emission 12.1.3Electron Specific Charge 12.1.4Millikan's Experiment

12.2

Wave-Particle Duality (A2 only)

12.2.1Newton's & Huygen's Theories of Light 12.2.2Electromagnetic Waves 12.2.3Photoelectricity 12.2.4Wave-Particle Duality 12.2.5Electron Microscopes

12.3

Special Relativity (A2 only)

12.3.1Michelson-Morley Experiment 12.3.2Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity 12.3.3Time Dilation 12.3.4Length Contraction 12.3.5Mass & Energy

Jump to other topics

1

Measurements & Errors

1.1

Measurements & Errors

1.1.1SI Base Units 1.1.2Combining SI Units 1.1.3Prefixes of Units 1.1.4Standard Form 1.1.5Converting Units 1.1.6End of Topic Test - Units & Prefixes 1.1.7Limitation of Physical Measurements 1.1.8Uncertainty 1.1.9Estimation 1.1.10End of Topic Test - Measurements & Errors 1.1.11Diagnostic Misconceptions - Converting between SI 1.1.12Diagnostic Misconceptions - SI & Area/Volume

2

Particles & Radiation

2.1

Particles

2.1.1Atomic Model 2.1.2Specific Charge, Protons & Neutron Numbers 2.1.3End of Topic Test - Atomic Model 2.1.4Isotopes 2.1.5Stable & Unstable Nuclei 2.1.6End of Topic Test - Isotopes & Nuclei 2.1.7A-A* (AO3/4) - Stable & Unstable Nuclei 2.1.8Particles, Antiparticles & Photons 2.1.9Particle Interactions 2.1.10Classification of Particles 2.1.11End of Topic Test - Particles & Interactions 2.1.12Quarks & Antiquarks 2.1.13Application of Conservation Laws 2.1.14End of Topic Test - Leptons & Quarks 2.1.15Exam-Style Question - Radioactive Decay

2.2

Electromagnetic Radiation & Quantum Phenomena

2.2.1The Photoelectric Effect 2.2.2The Photoelectric Effect Explanation 2.2.3End of Topic Test - The Photoelectric Effect 2.2.4Collisions of Electrons with Atoms 2.2.5Energy Levels & Photon Emission 2.2.6Wave-Particle Duality 2.2.7End of Topic Test - Absorption & Emission 2.2.8Diagnostic Misconceptions - Electron Volts 2.2.9Diagnostic Misconceptions - Converting eV & Joules

3

Waves

3.1

Progressive & Stationary Waves

3.1.1Progressive Waves 3.1.2Wave Speed & Phase Difference 3.1.3Longitudinal & Transverse Waves 3.1.4End of Topic Test - Progressive Waves 3.1.5Polarisation 3.1.6Stationary Waves 3.1.7Stationary Waves 2 3.1.8End of Topic Test - Polarisation & Stationary Wave 3.1.9A-A* (AO3/4) - Stationary Waves

3.2

Refraction, Diffraction & Interference

3.2.1Interference 3.2.2Interference 2 3.2.3End of Topic Test - Interference 3.2.4Diffraction 3.2.5Diffraction Gratings 3.2.6End of Topic Test - Diffraction 3.2.7Refraction at a Plane Surface 3.2.8Internal Reflection & Fibre Optics 3.2.9End of Topic Test - Refraction 3.2.10Exam-Style Question - Waves

4

Mechanics & Materials

4.1

Force, Energy & Momentum

4.1.1Scalars & Vectors 4.1.2Vector Problems 4.1.3End of Topic Test - Scalars & Vectors 4.1.4Moments 4.1.5Centre of Mass 4.1.6End of Topic Test - Moments & Centre of Mass 4.1.7Motion in a Straight Line 4.1.8Graphs of Motion 4.1.9Bouncing Ball Example 4.1.10End of Topic Test - Motion in a Straight Line 4.1.11Acceleration Due to Gravity 4.1.12Projectile Motion 4.1.13Friction 4.1.14Terminal Speed 4.1.15End of Topic Test - Acceleration Due to Gravity 4.1.16Newton's Laws 4.1.17Momentum 4.1.18Momentum 2 4.1.19End of Topic Test - Newton's Laws & Momentum 4.1.20A-A* (AO3/4) - Newton's Third Law 4.1.21Work & Energy 4.1.22Power & Efficiency 4.1.23Conservation of Energy 4.1.24End of Topic Test - Work, Energy & Power 4.1.25Exam-Style Question - Forces 4.1.26Diagnostic Misconceptions - Perpendicular Vectors 4.1.27Diagnostic Misconceptions - Weight Acts Downwards 4.1.28Diagnostic Misconceptions - Acceleration Direction 4.1.29Diagnostic Misconceptions - Stationary Objects 4.1.30Diagnostic Misconceptions - Action & Reaction 4.1.31Diagnostic Misconceptions - RF Direction 4.1.32Diagnostic Misconceptions - RF Acceleration 4.1.33Diagnostic Misconceptions - Change in Momentum

4.2

Materials

4.2.1Density 4.2.2Bulk Properties of Solids 4.2.3Energy in Materials 4.2.4Young Modulus 4.2.5End of Topic Test - Materials

5

Electricity

5.1

Current Electricity

5.1.1Basics of Electricity 5.1.2Current-Voltage Characteristics 5.1.3End of Topic Test - Basics of Electricity 5.1.4Resistivity 5.1.5Superconductivity 5.1.6A-A* (AO3/4) - Superconductivity 5.1.7End of Topic Test - Resistivity & Superconductors 5.1.8Circuits 5.1.9Power and Conservation 5.1.10Potential Divider 5.1.11Emf & Internal Resistance 5.1.12End of Topic Test - Power & Potential 5.1.13Exam-Style Question - Resistance 5.1.14Diagnostic Misconceptions - Constant Current 5.1.15Diagnostic Misconceptions - Potential Difference

6

Further Mechanics & Thermal Physics (A2 only)

7

Fields & Their Consequences (A2 only)

7.1

Fields (A2 only)

7.2

Gravitational Fields (A2 only)

7.2.1Newton's Law 7.2.2Gravitational Field Strength 7.2.3Gravitational Potential 7.2.4Orbits of Planets & Satellites 7.2.5Escape Velocity & Synchronous Orbits 7.2.6End of Topic Test - Gravitational Fields

7.3

Electric Fields (A2 only)

7.3.1Coulomb's Law 7.3.2Electric Field Strength 7.3.3Electric Field Strength 2 7.3.4Electric Potential 7.3.5End of Topic Test - Electric Fields 7.3.6A-A* (AO3/4) - Electric and Gravitational Field

7.4

Capacitance (A2 only)

7.4.1Capacitance 7.4.2Parallel Plate Capacitor 7.4.3Energy Stored by a Capacitor 7.4.4Capacitor Discharge 7.4.5Capacitor Charge

7.5

Magnetic Fields (A2 only)

7.5.1Magnetic Flux Density 7.5.2End of Topic Test - Capacitance & Flux Density 7.5.3Moving Charges in a Magnetic Field 7.5.4Magnetic Flux & Flux Linkage 7.5.5Electromagnetic Induction 7.5.6Electromagnetic Induction 2 7.5.7Alternating Currents 7.5.8Operation of a Transformer 7.5.9Magnetic Flux Density 7.5.10End of Topic Test - Electromagnetic Induction

8

Nuclear Physics (A2 only)

8.1

Radioactivity (A2 only)

8.1.1Rutherford Scattering 8.1.2Alpha & Beta Radiation 8.1.3Gamma Radiation 8.1.4Radioactive Decay 8.1.5Half Life 8.1.6End of Topic Test - Radioactivity 8.1.7Nuclear Instability 8.1.8Nuclear Radius 8.1.9Mass & Energy 8.1.10Binding Energy 8.1.11Induced Fission 8.1.12Safety Aspects of Nuclear Reactors 8.1.13End of Topic Test - Nuclear Physics 8.1.14A-A* (AO3/4) - Nuclear Fusion

9

Option: Astrophysics (A2 only)

9.1

Telescopes (A2 only)

9.1.1Astronomical Telescopes 9.1.2Reflecting Telescopes 9.1.3Single Dish Radio Telescopes 9.1.4Large Diameter Telescopes

9.2

Classification of Stars (A2 only)

9.2.1Classification by Luminosity 9.2.2Absolute Magnitude 9.2.3Black Body Radiation 9.2.4Stellar Spectral Classes 9.2.5Hertzsprung-Russell Diagrams 9.2.6Astronomical Objects

9.3

Cosmology (A2 only)

9.3.1Doppler Effect 9.3.2Hubble's Law 9.3.3Quasars 9.3.4Detecting Exoplanets

10

Option: Medical Physics (A2 only)

10.1

Physics of the Eye (A2 only)

10.1.1Physics of Vision 10.1.2Defects of Vision 10.1.3Lenses 10.1.4Correcting Defects of Vision

10.2

Physics of the Ear (A2 only)

10.2.1Structure of the Ear 10.2.2Sensitivity of the Ear 10.2.3Hearing Defects

10.3

Biological Measurement (A2 only)

10.3.1Electrocardiography (ECG)

10.4

Non-Ionising Imaging (A2 only)

10.4.1Ultrasound Imaging 10.4.2Ultrasound Imaging 2 10.4.3Fibre Optics & Endoscopy 10.4.4Magnetic Resonance Scanning

10.5

X-Ray Imaging (A2 only)

10.5.1Diagnostic X-Rays 10.5.2X-Ray Image Processing 10.5.3Absorption of X-Rays 10.5.4CT Scanners

10.6

Radionuclide Imaging & Therapy (A2 only)

10.6.1Imaging Techniques 10.6.2Half Life 10.6.3Gamma Camera 10.6.4High Energy X-Rays 10.6.5Radioactive Implants 10.6.6Imaging Comparisons

11

Option: Engineering Physics (A2 only)

11.1

Rotational Dynamics (A2 only)

11.1.1Moment of Inertia 11.1.2Rotational Kinetic Energy 11.1.3Rotational Motion 11.1.4Torque & Angular Acceleration 11.1.5Angular Momentum 11.1.6Angular Work & Power

11.2

Thermodynamics & Engines (A2 only)

11.2.1First Law of Thermodynamics 11.2.2Non-Flow Processes 11.2.3p-V Diagrams 11.2.4Engine Cycles 11.2.5Second Law & Engines 11.2.6Reversed Heat Engines

12

Option: Turning Points in Physics (A2 only)

12.1

Discovery of the Electron (A2 only)

12.1.1Cathode Rays 12.1.2Thermionic Electron Emission 12.1.3Electron Specific Charge 12.1.4Millikan's Experiment

12.2

Wave-Particle Duality (A2 only)

12.2.1Newton's & Huygen's Theories of Light 12.2.2Electromagnetic Waves 12.2.3Photoelectricity 12.2.4Wave-Particle Duality 12.2.5Electron Microscopes

12.3

Special Relativity (A2 only)

12.3.1Michelson-Morley Experiment 12.3.2Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity 12.3.3Time Dilation 12.3.4Length Contraction 12.3.5Mass & Energy

Practice questions on Sensitivity of the Ear

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

1
What frequency is the reference tone for a loudness curve?Multiple choice
2
Producing a Loudness CurverPut in order
3
Which of these statements is true about loudness curves?True / false
4
How many bels in a decibel?Multiple choice
5
The reference intensity, I<sub>0</sub> is equal to what?Multiple choice

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Structure of the Ear

Hearing Defects