Sounds All Around
Listen closely.Copyright US National Park Service, public domain image http://www.nps.gov/edis/images/taehandtoear022605007_1.jpg
Students follow the steps of the engineering design process to create their own ear trumpet devices (used before modern-day hearing aids), including testing them with a set of reproducible sounds. They learn to recognize different pitches, and see how engineers must test designs and materials to achieve the best amplifying properties.
Some engineers design devices that assist people with medical disadvantages. To do this, they must understand how the parts of our bodies operate so they can invent devices that mimic the body parts of that require repair or assistance. To design hearing aids, biomedical engineers consider comfort, functionality and shape; electrical enineers design the tiny circuits inside modern hearing aids; and material engineers design a suitable encasement for the circuit. Together, these engineers create a very small, yet very appreciated device.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Describe the basic concept of a hearing-aid and how sound can be amplified.
- Describe the need for the modern-day hearing aid and how engineers have improved the device with new materials and technologies.
- Describe the differences between background and foreground noises, and high-pitch and low-pitch sounds.