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what is the normal range of human hearing, and how does this range change with age?

what is the normal range of human hearing, and how does this range change with age?

Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)
Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)
5th Edition
ISBN:9780134477961
Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
Publisher:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
Chapter1: The Science Of Psychology
Section: Chapter Questions
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### Understanding the Normal Range of Human Hearing and its Changes with Age #### Introduction Hearing is a critical sense that allows humans to interact with their environment, communicate effectively, and appreciate various sounds, including music. The range of human hearing changes over time due to natural aging processes and environmental factors. This article explores the normal range of human hearing and how it changes with age. #### The Normal Range of Human Hearing - **Frequency Range**: Typically, the normal range of human hearing extends from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz). This definition encompasses the ability to perceive very low to very high-pitched sounds. - **Intensity Range**: Humans can hear sounds from as quiet as 0 decibels (dB) to sounds as loud as 120-130 dB, though exposure to sounds above 85 dB for prolonged periods can cause hearing damage. #### Changes in Hearing Range with Age - **Presbycusis**: As individuals age, they often experience presbycusis, a gradual loss of hearing. This condition predominantly affects the higher frequencies, usually starting around 18 kHz and moving downward over time. - **Sensitivity Reduction**: The auditory system's sensitivity may decline, requiring louder sounds for the same level of perception. --- ##### Visual Representation (Hypothetical Diagram) Imagine a graph where the x-axis represents frequency (from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz) and the y-axis represents the amplitude or sensitivity (in dB). 1. **Young Adults**: The line would show a broad and sensitive range, particularly from 20 Hz to nearly 20,000 Hz. 2. **Middle-Aged Adults**: The line would start to decline around 16 kHz, indicating reduced sensitivity. 3. **Elderly Adults**: The line significantly declines starting around 8-10 kHz, depicting a more substantial loss in hearing, especially for higher frequencies. --- Understanding these changes can help in taking preventive measures, such as avoiding excessive noise exposure and using hearing protection, to maintain hearing health over a lifetime.
Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding the Normal Range of Human Hearing and its Changes with Age #### Introduction Hearing is a critical sense that allows humans to interact with their environment, communicate effectively, and appreciate various sounds, including music. The range of human hearing changes over time due to natural aging processes and environmental factors. This article explores the normal range of human hearing and how it changes with age. #### The Normal Range of Human Hearing - **Frequency Range**: Typically, the normal range of human hearing extends from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz). This definition encompasses the ability to perceive very low to very high-pitched sounds. - **Intensity Range**: Humans can hear sounds from as quiet as 0 decibels (dB) to sounds as loud as 120-130 dB, though exposure to sounds above 85 dB for prolonged periods can cause hearing damage. #### Changes in Hearing Range with Age - **Presbycusis**: As individuals age, they often experience presbycusis, a gradual loss of hearing. This condition predominantly affects the higher frequencies, usually starting around 18 kHz and moving downward over time. - **Sensitivity Reduction**: The auditory system's sensitivity may decline, requiring louder sounds for the same level of perception. --- ##### Visual Representation (Hypothetical Diagram) Imagine a graph where the x-axis represents frequency (from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz) and the y-axis represents the amplitude or sensitivity (in dB). 1. **Young Adults**: The line would show a broad and sensitive range, particularly from 20 Hz to nearly 20,000 Hz. 2. **Middle-Aged Adults**: The line would start to decline around 16 kHz, indicating reduced sensitivity. 3. **Elderly Adults**: The line significantly declines starting around 8-10 kHz, depicting a more substantial loss in hearing, especially for higher frequencies. --- Understanding these changes can help in taking preventive measures, such as avoiding excessive noise exposure and using hearing protection, to maintain hearing health over a lifetime.
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