The assignment: (1-2 pages)

• First, explain how normal hearing occurs. Include in your discussion the following points:

o How is sound transmitted from the environment outside the body to the inner ear? What structures are involved, and how do they transmit sound?
o What happens in the inner ear (cochlea) when sound waves are converted to neural signals? How is sound frequency (pitch) processed?

• Next, summarize the causes of presbycusis and explain how they will interfere with the normal processing of sound as outlined above.

o Discuss one source of presbycusis involving a problem with the outer/middle ear.
o Discuss one source of presbycusis involving a problem with the inner ear.

• Finally, describe what it might be like to have presbycusis. Include the following points:
o If you have normal hearing now, how would your ability to converse with others be affected?
o What activities that you now enjoy would be limited by this condition?
o How would such a condition affect your work life?