The harp seal, Pagophilus groenlandicus (Erxleben, 1777). X. The air audiogram

A free-field air audiogram from 1 to 32 kHz was obtained for a Pagophilus groenlandicus trained to respond to pure tone signals. The lowest threshold was at 4 kHz at a level of 29 db//0.0002 dynes/cm 2 . The air audiogram was generally flat. The critical ratios at 2 and 4 kHz were 10%. The lumen of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian Journal of Zoology
Main Authors: Terhune, J. M., Ronald, K.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1971
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z71-057
http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z71-057
Description
Summary:A free-field air audiogram from 1 to 32 kHz was obtained for a Pagophilus groenlandicus trained to respond to pure tone signals. The lowest threshold was at 4 kHz at a level of 29 db//0.0002 dynes/cm 2 . The air audiogram was generally flat. The critical ratios at 2 and 4 kHz were 10%. The lumen of the external auditory meatus is probably acoustically blocked. The outer and (or) middle ear structures and their acoustic impedance mismatch with the air are believed responsible for the comparatively irregular and slightly insensitive hearing of the seal in air.