Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: John Yockachonis on 18/07/2010 19:30:02

Title: Can ultrasonic sounds damage hearing?
Post by: John Yockachonis on 18/07/2010 19:30:02

John Yockachonis asked the Naked Scientists:
   Hello,
 
I wonder if an ultrasonic noise, say 25kHz and above, of a very high amplitude, can damage a human's hearing. Since my ears are designed to produce input to my brain at between ~20-20kHz, my eardrums would still vibrate violently at an untrasonic frequency, or would they?
 
Thanks for your time,
 
John
What do you think?

Title: Can ultrasonic sounds damage hearing?
Post by: eardowel on 22/07/2010 20:59:12

Allow me to further clarify my inquiry. I don't see why ultrasound can't lay down the hairs in the ear canal just as audible sound would. Does that make sense?