Hearing Defects
Physics: AQA A Level, topic 10.2.3
Hearing Defects
Hearing deteriorates with age both in the response to sound levels and to frequency.
Deterioration of hearing
- This chart shows the approximate variation of equal loudness curves with age.
- A similar effect will be produced by long term exposure to high sound levels.
- Frequencies around 4000 Hz are usually the worst affected.
High frequency deterioration
- Similarly, older listeners will tend to lose response at higher frequencies, in a manner as shown in this chart.
Test yourself on Hearing Defects
The elderly have trouble hearing what type of sound?
Which of these statements are true about hearing defects?
Those whose hearing is affected by excessive noise find it difficult to hear what?