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Behavioral hearing range of the chinchilla.
1Department of Psychology, University of Toledo, Ohio 43606.
Hearing Research
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Chinchilla hearing extends to 33 kHz, similar to humans, but methods not fixing the head may overestimate sensitivity. This study determined precise chinchilla audiograms.
Area of Science:
- Auditory Science
- Animal Audiology
- Comparative Psychoacoustics
Background:
- Chinchillas are common models for auditory research.
- Previous studies on rodent hearing sensitivity have shown variability.
- Understanding chinchilla hearing range is crucial for auditory research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the precise hearing range of chinchillas using pure tones.
- To compare chinchilla audiograms with other rodents and humans.
- To evaluate the impact of experimental procedures on hearing sensitivity measurements.
Main Methods:
- Three chinchillas were tested using a conditioned avoidance procedure.
- Pure tones from 32 Hz to 45 kHz were used.
- Head fixation was employed to ensure accurate sound field exposure.
Main Results:
- The average hearing range at 60 dB SPL was 50 Hz to 33 kHz.
- No chinchillas could detect 45 kHz at 89 dB SPL.
- Chinchilla audiograms closely resemble human audiograms compared to other rodents.
Conclusions:
- Chinchilla hearing sensitivity is accurately measured with head fixation.
- Methodological differences can lead to overestimations of hearing sensitivity.
- Chinchillas serve as a valuable model for studying human hearing.