Physiological acoustics and health

Summary

This review examines noise pollution

Related Concept Videos

Perception of Sound Waves01:01

Perception of Sound Waves

The human ear is not equally sensitive to all frequencies in the audible range. It may perceive sound waves with the same pressure but different frequencies as having different loudness. Moreover, the perception of sound waves depends on the health of an individual's ears, which decays with age. The health of one's ears may also be affected by regular exposure to loud noises.
The pitch of a sound depends on the frequency and the pressure amplitude of the source. Two sounds of the same frequency...
Heart Sounds01:15

Heart Sounds

Heart sounds are generated by the turbulence in blood flow due to the closing of heart valves. These sounds are best perceived slightly away from the valves, where the blood flow disseminates the sound.
Auscultation is the process of listening to these internal body sounds using a stethoscope. The heart produces four types of sounds, but only two—S1 and S2—can usually be heard with a stethoscope.
S1, also known as the "lub" sound, is caused by the closure of atrioventricular (A-V) valves at the...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract III: Percussion01:29

Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract III: Percussion

The respiratory system, fundamental to life, consists of complex structures responsible for gas exchange. The percussion assessment is critical to understanding this system's health and functionality. This non-invasive assessment technique allows healthcare providers to evaluate the density or aeration of the lungs, thereby identifying potential abnormalities.
Percussion in Respiratory Assessment
Percussion evaluates underlying tissue composition with audible and tactile vibrations,...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract IV: Auscultation01:28

Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract IV: Auscultation

Auscultation is a crucial component of the physical assessment of the respiratory tract. It offers valuable insights into airflow through the bronchial tree and potential lung obstructions. This process involves careful listening to breath, voice, and adventitious sounds, which can reveal a wealth of information about a patient's respiratory health.
Breath Sounds
Breath sounds are categorized into vesicular, bronchovesicular, and bronchial.
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation01:31

Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation

In assessing respiratory abnormalities, palpation and auscultation are critical tools for detecting and interpreting various pathophysiological changes. These techniques provide insight into underlying disorders by evaluating tactile sensations and sounds produced by the respiratory system.
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
Perceiving Loudness, Pitch, and Location01:21

Perceiving Loudness, Pitch, and Location

The human brain perceives pitch through two primary mechanisms reflected in place theory and frequency theory. Each mechanism describes how sound waves are interpreted as specific pitches by the brain, offering insights into the intricate processes of auditory perception.
Place theory, or place coding, suggests that different pitches are heard because various sound waves activate specific locations along the cochlea's basilar membrane. The brain determines the pitch of a sound by identifying...