Visualizing sound with an electro-optical eardrum

Abstract

An educational system for visualizing sound by a student in a laboratory. The system includes a speaker powered by an audio amplifier. A function generator or a microphone controls the amplitude and frequency of pressure waves originating from the speaker. A model of the ear canal is suspended over the speaker, the model having a plastic pipe with two open ends and a membrane stretched taut over one of the open ends with constant tension. A mirror is affixed to the membrane, creating a mass-loaded membrane. A laser pointer emits light directed toward the mirror. A screen receives a light reflection pattern created by the light reflected from the minor, with the model ear canal, speaker, membrane, and mirror placed equidistant between the screen and the laser pointer. The system is adapted to demonstrate hearing sensitivity to a deaf or hearing-impaired person in an educational setting.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.