International Licensing Examination (ILE) Practice Test

What average gain does the adult ear canal have?

1. 10 dB

2. 12 dB

3. 16 dB

4. 20 dB

The correct answer is: 16 dB

The average gain that the adult ear canal provides is indeed around 16 decibels. This gain is referred to as the "resonance gain" and occurs primarily due to the unique shape and length of the ear canal, which acts as a resonating cavity. As sound waves enter the ear canal, they experience amplification at certain frequencies, specifically in the range of 2,000 to 5,000 Hz, which are critical for understanding speech. This phenomenon is important in the context of hearing and audiology because it highlights the natural amplification properties of the human ear, contributing to the overall perception of sound. Understanding the average gain can assist clinicians in better diagnosing hearing issues and in customizing hearing aids or other assistive devices to enhance sound clarity in individuals. Other values, such as 10 dB, 12 dB, or 20 dB, do not accurately reflect the typical enhancement provided by the adult ear canal, thereby reinforcing the correctness of the 16 dB figure.