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| How We Hear |
To understand hearing and hearing loss you begin by first learning how we hear.
Sound waves are collected by the outer ear and directed along the ear canal to the eardrum. When the sound waves hit the eardrum, the impact creates vibration which, in turn, cause the three bones of the middle ear to to move. The smallest of these bones, the stapes, fits into the the oval window between the middle ear and inner ear. When the oval window vibrates, fluid in the ear transmits the vibrations into a delicate snail-shaped structure called the cochlea.
In the inner ear, thousands of microscopic hair cells are bent by the wave-like action of the fluid in the cochlea. The bending of theses hairs sets off nerve impulses which are then passed through the auditory nerve to the hearing center of the brain. This center translates the impulses into sounds the brain can recognizes. |
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| Symptoms Of Hearing Loss |
Identifying a hearing loss in yourself or in someone you know may be the first step toward improving the situation. Often, among the first sounds which "disappear" are those in the higher frequencies, that is, sounds that are high-pitched such as women's and children's voices.
Some other symptoms may include:
* Difficulty hearing in public gatherings, concert halls, theaters, houses of worship - anywhere sound sources are far from the listener.
* Difficulty hearing TV and/or the telephone.
* Difficulty understanding conversation within a group of people or a crowd.
Individuals affected by hearing impairment may develop methods for coping with their hearing loss such as:
* Constantly asking others to repeat themselves.
* Turning their head to one side when listening to sounds.
* Turning up the volume levels on TV, radio, or stereo.
If a hearing loss is suspected, an appointment should be made to have your hearing checked. A test and evaluation of your hearing may determine if a hearing aid can help. |
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