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Expert: - 8/7/2010


Question
Hi Dana, this is vijay and my question is why can we hear something even after we close our ears with our fingers or so? can sound pass even through our body?

Answer
Dear Vijay,

Yes, sound waves and vibrations can pass through body tissues, and when you plug your ears, some sounds can still be detected as they pass through the tissues *around* your ears.  The thicker the tissue, the less sound will pass through, though.  So you can't hear very well with your ears plugged.

Dana

Biology

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Volunteer

Dana Krempels, Ph.D.

Expertise

I can answer biology-related questions in the areas of evolution, zoology, botany, genetics, and ecology. But I don't answer homework questions or provide ideas for your science fair projects. So students please do your learning the right way by reading your text assignments and studying!

Experience

At the University of Miami, I teach Evolution and Biodiversity, Botany, Zoology, Genetics, Ecology, and a variety of seminars (e.g., the Biology and Evolution of Human Gender Roles).

Education/Credentials
I have a B.S. in Biology and an A.B. in English from the University of Southern California (1980). I earned my Ph.D. in Biology in the area of evolutionary biology/visual physiology from the University of Miami in 1989.

Past/Present Clients
I am currently an "expert" in both the "Rabbits" and "Wild Animals" categories.

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