Middle Ear Amplifies Sound Waves: 30dB Reduction

  • Thread starter ilona
  • Start date
In summary, in order to understand how loud something is, you need to know the amplification ratio and the dB difference. The dB difference is 10 times as loud.
  • #1
ilona
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Homework Statement



Hei!
I have problem with this quest:
Middle ear amplifies the sound waves entering cochlea by 30dB. This means that in case of total dysfunction of ossicles the sound energy transferred into cochlea is reduced:
a)3 times b)30 times c)1000 times d)3000 times

I don know how should I start with it..which formula?
 
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  • #2
welcome to pf!

hei ilona! welcome to pf! :smile:

total dysfunction means no amplification, so it's 30dB quieter

sooo … what is the definition of dB ? :wink:
 
  • #3
logarithmic unit of ratio of intensity to standard treshold of hearing(10^-12)
dB=log^10*I/Io
 
  • #4
ilona said:
logarithmic unit of ratio of intensity to standard treshold of hearing(10^-12)
dB=log^10*I/Io
That is almost the definition of loudness, but not quite.
Amplification is defined in terms of output intensity and input intensity. And you meant base 10, not log on the 10th power... and it is decibel, that "deci" means something...
See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decibel#Definition

ehild
 
  • #5
(try using the X2 and X2 buttons just above the Reply box :wink:)
ilona said:
logarithmic unit of ratio of intensity to standard treshold of hearing(10-12)
dB=log10*I/Io

isn't that B, not dB ? :confused:
 
  • #6
tiny-tim said:
isn't that B, not dB ? :confused:

It is not anything. log without argument multiplied by I/Io...
 
  • #7
L(B)=log10*I/Io

but i wonder if there is no amplification we have 1 dB ,haven't we?
so why is not it just reduced by 30 times?
 
  • #9
ehild said:
No amplification is zero dB.

yes, ilona, if I/Io = 1, then log I/Io = … ? :smile:
 
  • #10
log1= 0
 
  • #11
right, if the amplification ratio is 1, then the dB difference is 0

and if the amplification ratio is 10, then the B difference is 1, and the dB difference (10 times as much) is 10

so if the amplification ratio is 100, then the B difference is … ? :smile:
 
  • #12
ok , i think answer will be 1000times
 
  • #13
but once again , cause I don't think I understand it..
I have this formula LB=log10p1/p0
so I have 30 dB so it is 3 B
and now why p1/po is 1?
 
  • #14
ilona said:
ok , i think answer will be 1000times

yes :smile:
ilona said:
but once again , cause I don't think I understand it..
I have this formula …

forget the formula :rolleyes:

(you'll never remember it in the exam, anyway)

just remember ('cos it's easy) …

10 dB = 10 times louder

then you know that 1 B = 10 times louder, so 2 B = 100 times etc, and finally convert to dB by always multiplying by 10 (same as converting grams to decigrams, or metres to decimetres) :wink:
 
  • #15
ok, thank you very much =)
 

Related to Middle Ear Amplifies Sound Waves: 30dB Reduction

1. What is the function of the middle ear?

The middle ear is responsible for amplifying sound waves that enter the ear canal. It also helps to protect the delicate structures of the inner ear.

2. How does the middle ear amplify sound waves?

The middle ear consists of three small bones called the malleus, incus, and stapes. These bones work together to transmit vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear, where they are converted into electrical signals that are sent to the brain.

3. What is the significance of a 30dB reduction in sound waves?

A 30dB reduction in sound waves means that the middle ear is able to amplify the sound by 30 decibels. This is important because it allows us to hear quieter sounds that would otherwise be too faint to be detected by our inner ear.

4. Can the middle ear amplify sound waves too much?

Yes, the middle ear can amplify sound waves too much, which can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss. This can happen if the sound waves are too loud or if the middle ear is damaged in some way.

5. What can cause a reduction in the middle ear's ability to amplify sound waves?

A reduction in the middle ear's ability to amplify sound waves can be caused by a variety of factors, such as ear infections, blockages in the ear canal, or damage to the middle ear bones. Age and certain medical conditions can also affect the middle ear's function.

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