How earplugs help tuning (a theory)

[Cy Shuster]

----- Original Message ----- >> From: <ed440 at mindspring.com>
>> To: Pianotech List <pianotech at ptg.org>
>> Date: 03/18/2006 8:36:51 PM
>> Subject: How earplugs help tuning (a theory)
>>
>> Conrad-
>>
>> See if this makes sense:
>>
>> There is a tiny muscle in the inner ear which, in response to a loud
> noise, changes the alignment of the tiny bones that conduct the vibrations
> to the cochlea.  In effect they "turn down the amplifier" to try to 
> protect
> the nerve hairs in the cochlea.
>>
>> If you are near a gun when it is fired (not recommended when you can
> avoid it), you may hear a click in the ear right after the shot. That is
> the little bone jumping out of alignment.

I've been told by an audiologist that this mechanism isn't fast enough to 
prevent damage from a sudden, loud sound, such as a gunshot.  Avoid such 
sounds!

--Cy--
shusterpiano.com