Ear trumpet - Aloha, OR
Posted by: 
dkestrel
N 45° 27.138 W 122° 52.255
10T E 510093 N 5033205
This art work by Christine Bourdette allows visitors to Cooper Mountain to gather sounds from the more distant environment.
Waymark Code: WMKMZ0
Location: Oregon, United States
Date Posted: 05/04/2014
Views: 13
Ear trumpets are tubular or funnel-shaped devices which collect sound waves and lead them into the ear. They have historically served as hearing aids, resulting in a strengthening of the sound energy impact to the eardrum and thus a better hearing for a reduced or decreased hearing individual.
Ear trumpets were most effective when used close up with the person speaking directly into the opening. By necessity, they could also be used to listen to sounds from a distance, such as a lecture or concert, but naturally suffered from the same limitations as older modern hearing aids. For example, they would pick up more background and environmental sounds.
Ear trumpets were made of sheet metal, silver, wood, snail shells or animal horns. These artistic additions to Cooper Mountain Park are made of copper.
Scientific Principle(s) being demonstrated:
The general theory behind ear trumpets is to capture more sound and to provide some directionality towards the wanted sounds, while at the same time sheltering the ear from the unwanted background sounds. This is not much different from what modern digital hearing aids attempt.
Briefly explain if the experiment was effective for you. Could it have been better?:
It works great! You can hear the birds and things happening across the valley.
When is the apparatus/experiment available to the public:
Dawn to Dusk year round
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