Chapter 18: Problem 1

Figure 18.8 Cochlear implants can restore hearing in people who have a nonfunctional cochlea. The implant consists of a microphone that picks up sound. A speech processor selects sounds in the range of human speech, and a transmitter converts these sounds to electrical impulses, which are then sent to the auditory nerve. Which of the following types of hearing loss would not be restored by a co chlear implant? a. Hearing loss resulting from absence or loss of hair cells in the organ of Corti. b. Hearing loss resulting from an abnormal auditory nerve. c. Hearing loss resulting from fracture of the cochlea. d. Hearing loss resulting from damage to bones of the middle ear.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Answer: b. Hearing loss resulting from an abnormal auditory nerve.

Step by step solution

Option a: Hearing loss resulting from absence or loss of hair cells in the organ of Corti

A cochlear implant can restore hearing in this case. The implant bypasses the damaged hair cells in the organ of Corti and directly stimulates the auditory nerve, allowing the person to perceive sound.

Option b: Hearing loss resulting from an abnormal auditory nerve

A cochlear implant cannot restore hearing in this case. The implant relies on the auditory nerve to convey the electrical impulses from the transmitter to the brain, so if the nerve itself is abnormal or damaged, the implant will not be able to restore hearing.

Option c: Hearing loss resulting from fracture of the cochlea

A cochlear implant can restore hearing in this case. The implant does not rely on the normal functioning of the cochlea as it directly stimulates the auditory nerve. So, even if there is a fracture in the cochlea, the cochlear implant can still restore the hearing ability.

Option d: Hearing loss resulting from damage to bones of the middle ear

A cochlear implant can restore hearing in this case. The implant bypasses the damaged bones of the middle ear, taking sound information from the microphone and transmitting it to the speech processor, which then converts the sounds to electrical impulses sent directly to the auditory nerve. Based on the analysis of each option, we can conclude that: The type of hearing loss that would not be restored by a cochlear implant is:

Answer

b. Hearing loss resulting from an abnormal auditory nerve.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Option a: Hearing loss resulting from absence or loss of hair cells in the organ of Corti

Option b: Hearing loss resulting from an abnormal auditory nerve

Option c: Hearing loss resulting from fracture of the cochlea

Option d: Hearing loss resulting from damage to bones of the middle ear

Answer

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

Cellular Energetics

Bioenergetics

Energy Transfers

Heredity

Substance Exchange

Microbiology

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.